Durham Cathedral Sanctuary Knocker

Carved Tankards & Jacks are available with either pinned or stitched detail around the base. If you have a preference, let us know in the notes box during ordering or contact us here and we will let you know what is available.

Historically, leather drinking vessels were lined with either boiled Resin of the birch tree, Brewer’s Pitch, or Beeswax. Our full grain leather drinking vessels are lined with an epoxy resin to echo the historic use of resin whilst having the visual appearance of Brewer’s pitch. The resin we use is fully certified for use in both the food and alcohol industries.

Click here for more information within the Internal Lining section of our Facts page.

Construction of Durham Cathedral began in 1093, and is considered the greatest Norman building in Britain and is a World Heritage site. In the Middle Ages criminals could bang the sanctuary knocker on the North door to seek sanctuary for a maximum of 37 days and were obliged to confess their crimes. During the 37 days they were looked after at the expense of the Church, following which they had to leave the Cathedral.

At that time they had either to throw themselves on the mercy of the authorities or abjure the realm, meaning that they had to leave by way of an assigned harbour, in the case of Durham being the harbour at Hartlepool. On abjuring the realm, the criminal had to leave without any belongings, including all clothing and could not be apprehended during their journey to the port

Capacity of Durham Cathedral Sanctuary Knocker - One pint.

Height: 15cm

Delivery

These items are made to order. We aim to dispatch within two weeks of receiving a confirmed order. Sometimes it may take us a little longer depending upon demand at the time of ordering.

Items are dispatched via Royal Mail Tracked 24.

EU Delivery

Due to Brexit restrictions, we unfortunately have had to suspend delivery to countries within the EU.