sanctuary ring

 

The sanctuary ring on a church door ensured any laying hold of it safety. In early times fugitives from the law could seek sanctuary in a church. If they could reach a metal ring on the church door they could claim sanctuary & under law they would remain free from prosecution for a period of time, usually 40 days. Another interesting feature of medieval churches was the lepers' window, a small opening in the chancel wall were lepers could attend mass and receive communion without entering.  The Stavkirche or Chapel in the Hills in Rapid City has both features. It is an exact replica of the  Borgund stavkirke of Laerdal, Norway, built around 1150.

 

Stavkirche

Rapid City, South Dakota

6.11.2014