The Durham Sanctuary Knocker

The Sanctuary Knocker, a lion bold, A warning of fate, to those who are told, Of the Hellmouth, a gateway to sin, A reminder of fate, to those who enter in!

The Sanctuary Knocker at Durham Cathedral is a remarkable and ‘striking’ piece of medieval history. Commissioned by the cathedral’s monks in the 12th century, the knocker was installed on the North Door and is a sizable hunk of bronze. Its design features a lion, crowned by its flowing mane, capturing a man who is being consumed by snakes.

This design is based on the ‘Hellmouth’, a medieval image depicting a literal entrance to hell through the gaping jaws of a beast.

The Sanctuary knocker was used by individuals seeking refuge in the Cathedral, often criminals fleeing from the law. Sanctuary was a legal right in medieval England, where people could claim protection from the church, and they would be safe from arrest within the church’s grounds. The Sanctuary knocker was a symbol of this protection, and it was used to signal to the monks that someone was seeking refuge.

An interesting aside is that of Robert the Bruce who sought sanctuary in Durham Cathedral in 1306 after he had committed murder in a confrontation with a rival noble, John Comyn. The conflict arose as Bruce was aspiring to become king of Scotland and Comyn, a powerful figure, opposed his claim. In a fit of rage, Bruce killed Comyn in the church of Greyfriars in Dumfries, which was a significant act of violence that galvanized opposition against him.

After this event, Bruce fled and sought refuge in Durham, which was a stronghold of English power. The cathedral was known for offering sanctuary to those in peril, allowing them to seek protection from their pursuers. Bruce’s presence in Durham was also a strategic move, as he aimed to regroup and solidify support for his cause amidst the tumultuous political landscape of the time. Eventually, he would go on to become a key figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence, culminating in his victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

The Hole in the heed

The legend tells of a man being pursued by the 'authorities' who is seeking sanctuary. An arrow narrowly missing his head, instead embedding itself in the sanctuary knocker just as he sought protection!

A Potted History of Hellmouths!

It was crafted from bronze and took the form of a lion haloed by its mane, devouring a man whose legs are being eaten by snakes.~ Unknown Monk

The concept of the “Hellmouth” is a medieval image depicting a literal entrance to hell through the gaping gob of a demonic beast. This image was often used as a warning and deterrent of sin, and can be found in various forms in medieval art and architecture. They were often depicted in churches as a reminder of the consequences of one’s actions and the importance of seeking redemption. Notable examples of Hellmouths can be found in the illuminated manuscripts of the 8th century and the sculpture of the Romanesque period, specifically in the 11th century.

In folklore, the Hellmouth is often associated with the idea of a gateway to the underworld or a portal to the realm of the dead. It was believed that the mouth of the beast would open during times of great sin or moral decay and swallow up the souls of the damned. Imagine the portal size required today…but I digress! Some stories tell of brave warriors or holy men who ventured into the Hellmouth to rescue the souls of the damned or to defeat the demons that guarded the entrance. These tales can be found in various written accounts of the 13th and 14th centuries.

The Sanctuary knocker at Durham Cathedral, commissioned in the 12th century, is one of the most well-known examples of a Hellmouth in architecture. It serves as a reminder of the legal right of sanctuary, the moral and spiritual implications of seeking refuge, and the skill and artistry of medieval craftsmanship. The Sanctuary knocker serves as a unique and striking reminder of the medieval perspective on sin, redemption, and the afterlife.

In 1297 Durham, The typical monks day.

In 1297, Durham, a typical day for a monk would begin before dawn with the ringing of the bell for Matins, the first of the daily services. This would be followed by Lauds and Prime, which were held around 3 AM and 6 AM, respectively. After the morning services, the monks would engage in manual labor, such as tending to the monastery’s gardens, working in the scriptorium, or cooking meals, depending on their skills and the needs of the community.

This work would last until about 11 AM, when the monks would gather for Terce, the third service of the day.Following Terce, the monks would partake in the main meal of the day, which would typically consist of bread, vegetables, and perhaps some fish or cheese. After the meal, there would be a period of rest or study, during which the monks might read, write, or engage in quiet contemplation. In the early afternoon, around 2 PM, the monks would gather for Sext, the fourth service of the day.

This would be followed by a lighter meal, often consisting of bread and vegetables, and then more manual labor until around 6 PM, when None, the fifth service of the day, would be held.The evening hours would be dedicated to more study, prayer, and perhaps some leisure time, such as playing chess or engaging in conversation.

The final service of the day, Compline, would be held around 9 PM, after which the monks would retire to their cells for sleep, to be ready for the cycle to begin again at Matins the following morning.

the typical life.

In 1297 Durham, monks lived in monasteries that were often located in remote, pristine environments. These locations were intentionally chosen to provide a peaceful and serene setting for religious contemplation and worship. Monks would spend their days in prayer, study, and manual labor, such as working in the fields or tending to the monastery gardens. The natural surroundings offered a clean and healthy environment, free from the pollution and disease more prevalent in densely populated urban areas.