1. The Frith-Stool or Seat of Peace, of the Sanctuary of Hexham. “There
were four crosses set up at a certain distance from the church, in the
four ways leading thereto, within which the whole town of Hexham was
included. If a malefactor flying for refuge was taken within these
crosses but without the town, the arresting party forfeited 200, a sum
probably represented by £10. If within the town, 600; within the walls of
the church-yard, 600; within the Church, 1200; within the choir, 1800;
but if the pursuer dared to take the fugitive from the FRITH-STOOL, or
from among the holy relics behind the altar, the offence was beyond
redemption.” _W. Sidney Gibson._