 The medieval system of asylum was finally abolished entirely in England by James I in 1623.During the Wars of the Roses of the 15th century when the Lancastrians or Yorkists would suddenly gain the upper hand by winning a battle, some adherents of the losing side might find themselves surrounded by adherents of the winning side and unable to return to their own side, so they would rush to sanctuary at the nearest church until it was safe to leave it.A prime example is Queen Elizabeth Woodville, consort of Edward IV of England.