Crossword Genius

History surrounding male sanctuary (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hermitage

'sanctuary' is the definition.

'history surrounding male' is the wordplay.
'history' becomes 'heritage'.
'surrounding' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'heritage' going around 'm' is 'HERMITAGE'.

(Other definitions for hermitage that I've seen before include "Recluse's abode" , "St Petersburg museum - Rhone wine" , "accommodation for one" , "art museum" , "Museum housing collection started by Catherine the Great" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Telegraph.
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