A sacred place recognized as a refuge for criminals. Such places existed in both Greek and Roman society and since 399 in the Christian world. In England a fugitive could claim refuge from immediate prosecution in a church or churchyard provided he agreed with the coroner to leave the realm by a specified port within 40 days. Failure to do so would result in prosecution. This right did not apply in cases of treason (1486). Towns having sanctuary privileges were restricted by Henry VIII to Derby, Launceston, Manchester, Northampton, Wells, Westminster, and York. In England criminals lost the right to sanctuary in 1623.