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The Frith Stool, Hexham Abbey

'The Frith Stool, or St. Wilfrid's Throne, dates from the 7th century. It was the "Chair of Peace": frith in Anlgo-Saxon English and Old German meaning peace, security and freedom from molestation. Many of the greater churches had such frith stools placed close to the high altar. Refugees in time of trouble or civil war, or wrongdoers in flight from authority and justice, could claim the protection of the Church until they were assured of a full and fair trial. In Tudor times, the right of sanctuary became strictly limited, as Henry VIII would allow no-one to defy the royal law; the right was subsequently abolished.' [Source: (adapted from) Hexham Abbey Leaflet No.2]