A priest hole is a hiding place for a priest built in England or Wales during the period when Catholics were persecuted by law. Following the accession of Queen Elizabeth I to the throne in 1558, there were several Catholic plots designed to remove her, [1] and severe measures, including torture and execution, were taken against Catholic priests.

May 23, 2024 · A priest hole is a secret compartment which is designed to accommodate one or more people, along with a few objects. Priest holes were originally built to shelter Catholic priests from the Elizabethan government, and they were later used to hide precious belongings and to hide an assortment of radicals and dissidents.

Priest holes were built in fireplaces, attics and staircases and were largely constructed between the 1550s and the Catholic-led Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Sometimes other building alterations would be made at the same time as the priest’s holes so as not to arouse suspicion.

Sep 8, 2018 · As a result of this oppression, wealthy Catholic families began building secret chambers and passages in their homes called ‘priest holes’ in order to hide priests when the pursuivants or ‘priest hunters’ came searching.

Feb 1, 2018 · Hiding places known as “priest holes” were built in these houses where the priest could slip into in case of emergency. Priest holes were often built in fireplaces, behind false walls and under staircases. More often than not, these secret chambers were tiny with no room to stand up or move around.

Jul 16, 2024 · Priest holes were secret hiding spots built into people’s homes, to conceal Catholic clergy during government raids. These hides also stored Catholic paraphernalia such as candles, crucifixes and incense.

What are priest holes? Under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, priests were often imprisoned, tortured and even killed. Priest holes were specially concealed places within houses where they could hide away safely during this time when Catholics were being persecuted. Discover some of the places in our care where you can find priest holes here.

Mar 31, 2019 · The turret cleverly contains a double priest hole. One exterior hiding space was designed to remain empty to fool the search party, whilst another concealed space behind it hid the priest.

In one priest hole, a trapdoor hidden under the staircase leads to a small chamber. At Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire, priest holes played a crucial role in protecting priests. The Ferrers family, loyal Catholics, created these secret spaces.

Apr 5, 2021 · Under the persecution of Catholics in England, many houses had priest holes built into them to conceal men of the cloth when searches were conducted by the Crown. Concealed in walls, under floors and staircases, behind paneling, and many other places all fashioned to conceal their occupant.