Since the year 1156, the chapter of Rouen, (which consisted of the archbishop, a dean, fifty canons, and ten prebendaries), had the annual privilege of pardoning, on Ascension day, some individual confined within the jurisdiction of the city for murder.
The parliament then walked in procession to the great chamber, where the prisoner was brought before them in irons, and placed on a stool; he was informed that the choice had fallen upon him, and that he was entitled to the privilege of St. Romain.
After some little time had elapsed, the procession set out from the cathedral; two of the canons bore the shrine in which the relics of St. Romain were presumed to be preserved.
When they had arrived at the Old Tower, the shrine was placed in the chapel, opposite to the criminal, who appeared kneeling, with the chains on his arms.
After mass had been performed, he had a very serious exhortation addressed to him by a monk; and, lastly, he was conducted to an apartment near the cathedral, and was supplied with refreshments and a bed for that night.