The frith stool is traditionally associated with the right of sanctuary.
Sanctuary means a safe place and churches could be places of sanctuary for fugitives seeking safety for 30 days until justice took its course. Fugitives had to obey the church leaders, stay out of trouble, list their wrongdoing and pay for up to 30 days' protection.
The right of sanctuary (recorded in 1106) was granted to Beverley Minster by King Athelstan and was eventually abolished by Henry VIII.
The frith stool (or sanctuary chair) is the oldest object in the minster and it dates from Saxon times when Saint John of Beverley first established a monastery on this site. It may indeed have been a bishop’s throne.
It is extremely rare and there is thought to be only one other surviving example, in Hexham Abbey.
During the medieval period, when the present minster building was completed, the chair became part of the process of the granting of sanctuary for those being pursued.
Use the '3D model' tab above to view an interactive model of the frith stool.
O Lord God, your Son Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his resurrection he restores life and peace in all creation. Comfort, we pray, all victims of intolerance and those oppressed by their fellow humans. Remember in your kingdom those who have died. Lead the oppressors towards compassion and give hope to the suffering. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
