Durham Cathedral Sanctuary Knocker - Durham, UK
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member 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:Groundspeak Premium Member 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
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