Durham Cathedral Sanctuary Knocker - Durham, UK - Unique Artistic Door Handles and Knockers on Waymarking.com

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Durham Cathedral Sanctuary Knocker - Durham, UK

in Unique Artistic Door Handles and Knockers

Posted by:

dtrebilc

N 54° 46.432 W 001° 34.613

30U E 591543 N 6070556

This knocker on the entrance door of Durham Cathedral is a replica of the original medieval one.

Waymark Code: WM195TF

Location: North East England, United Kingdom

Date Posted: 12/02/2023

Published By:

Walking Boots

Views: 1

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An information board next to the door tells the history of the knocker.

The Sanctuary Knocker

The Sanctuary Knocker adorned the North Door of Durham Cathedral for centuries. It takes its name from the fact that in the Middle Ages people who had 'committed a great offence' could touch the knocker and would be granted sanctuary for 37 days, during which time the person had to choose between trial and voluntary exile.

The hideousness of the monster's features was designed to ward off evil from the place of sanctuary at Durham Cathedral.

It is a source of inspiration for other creative works, some of which you can see as you walk around Durham Cathedral.

This is a replica of the original 12th century bronze knocker, which is on display in Open Treasure, the Cathedral's award-winning museum.

Functional door?: yes

Visit Instructions:
Take a picture of the door handle. Add any information about your visit to your log.

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