Hubert de Burgh, fallen from power as Henry III's chief justiciar, sought sanctuary at Merton Priory in 1232 when Henry turned against him. Royal officers surrounded the priory and initially attempted to drag him out by force, violating sanctuary. The Bishop of London threatened excommunication against anyone who violated church sanctuary. Henry III was forced to negotiate and de Burgh was eventually secured at Devizes rather than taken by force from the church.
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