December 21: The swinging beam priest hide at Harvington Hall

Thank you to Phil Downing, manager of Harvington Hall, for sharing this image and explanation of a priest hide/priest hole which can be found at the hall. Phil did an expert talk for the Tudor Society, "Terrifying lives of Priests and their Priest Holes: the darker side of the Elizabethan period", which you can view at https://www.tudorsociety.com/phil-downing-priest-holes-expert-talk/

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An Elizabethan secret hiding place located in the library of Harvington Hall is one of the most ingenious in England. By removing the panelling in the book cupboard you will find a solid brick wall with 2 oak vertical beams. When pressing on the top of the beam it swings open on a pivot, revealing a hidden room that is 8ft long 3ft wide and 5ft high.