Sanctuary - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, the term sanctuary refers to a place where people can find safety and protection, often during times of danger or threat. Historically, sanctuary was commonly associated with religious buildings like churches or monasteries, where someone accused of a crime could seek refuge to avoid immediate arrest or punishment. The idea was that these places were protected by religious rules, meaning that the authorities couldn't take someone by force from them. Sanctuary offered a temporary safe haven and gave time for a fair trial or negotiation to occur. This concept was especially important in medieval times and shows how religion and law were closely linked in history.