h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The explanation of Sanctuary at Durham Cathedral may not be the whole story. I have seen an explanation suggesting that this is awarded from any position from where the cathedral can be seen.
For example, to the east of the city there is a bank known locally as "Signing Bank" from which there is such a view. The legend is that monks on their way to Durham made the sign of the cross at this point. Perhaps it is also linked with the story of Sanctuary.
It is only on reading the original story on this page that I began to wonder if it has another significance. Signing Bank is on the main road between Durham and Hartlepool. Perhaps those who sought sancturary at Durham paused here to have their last view of the cathedral before going into exile.