Privilege of Sancuary

The ultimate timeout? Imagine running to a sacred place to escape the law. Join us as we explore the ancient and complex history of Sanctuary.

From biblical cities of refuge and individuals clinging to altar horns, through its adoption in ancient Greece and Rome, we trace how holy sites offered temporary safety. Delve into its formalized role in England, the 40-day limit, the dramatic act of abjuring the realm (choosing exile over facing justice), and the extraordinary powers granted to famous locations like Westminster Abbey.

Discover the constant struggle between religious privilege and royal power, the crimes people sought refuge for, and how this fascinating system eventually faded away. Was it a lifeline for the innocent, or a shield for criminals?

Tune in to unpack this enduring tension between justice and mercy.