IT WAS dangerous to travel in the far north of England in
medieval times. The marauding Scots had little respect for anybody,
let alone officials of state who could be held to ransom. Visiting
judges were customarily protected by the sheriff and 200 men when
moving from Newcastle to Carlisle, and it cost
money. The payment to hire the necessary guards became known as
"dagger money", and it is still ritually paid today in the form of
a plaque.
The Cathedral of St ...
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