Dr Dodd’s Library is one of the smallest rooms at Harvington Hall but it holds one of its biggest secrets. Visitors stand in this room of the beautiful, moated Elizabethan manor, having learned it was the home of the recusant Pakington family, who had been fined for failing to conform to the laws requiring them to attend Sunday Church of England services. Harsher laws, driven by the Catholic threat to Elizabeth I in the late 16th century, denied the presence of Catholic priests in the country – the death penalty threatened them and those harbouring them. Devout families such as the Pakingtons turned to devious solutions to continue to practice their faith.
Priest hides were built, secret spaces which protected fugitives while the tenacious pursuivants (priest hunters) scrutinised the house under suspicion. Harvington Hall boasts seven remaining hides, more than any other in England. Its visitors have been astounded to learn about the hide tucked above the bread oven in the kitchen. They have also viewed one under the floorboards of a narrow passageway. But where is the one in this library?
The answer is nothing short of ingenious, as one might expect from the hand of the famed Jesuit priest hide master builder Nicholas Owen, so much so, that it was only rediscovered two centuries later. A firm push on the top of one of the aged wall beams, and it pivots outwards. It reveals what is known as the “swinging beam hide”, a narrow space which Harvington Hall’s manager Phil Downing came to know rather intimately in November 2021.
Bu hikaye Best of British dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Best of British dergisinin June 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies
Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion
The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era
The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith
Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection
In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival
MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114