When it comes to 'secret rooms' I've seen online, this definitely ranks high. The hidden door, the way its built. The print. The historical significance. All very though provoking.
You were exploring the infirmary section of that convent. That was where the elderly sisters would have lived. They could listen to their sisters below and feel somewhat connected with them. The priest would have come up the spiral staircase and brought them the sacrament. The nursing sisters would also have used the spiral staircase to bring food and things needed for their care. If you were to figure out where that staircase went and renovate it, you would have a spectacular space. The plumbing up there gives away that area's purpose, as well as the windows. And yes, I am a former nun.
May I ask what your experience as a nun was like? And why you stopped being one? I'm not Catholic, or even Christian (but my family are Baptists), but I've always held respect and intrigue for all cultures and religious beliefs. I've made it my mission to study them all. Knowledge is power, and I like learning!
@@Haley_Alexis99 The word "vocation" means "calling". I believe that God called me into the convent for all of those years and then He called me out of the convent. It would take me a long time and many cups of tea to tell you what happened. The Religious Life is intense. Each order has its own type of life. Basically, such a life follows a pattern of daily prayer and work.
A lot of convents held a lot of secrets as well. Why are there hidden rooms in a convent? That place is massive, so the fact that there was a hidden room means something not so nice was happening. We may never know.
If it was next to the elderly Sisters' area, perhaps it was for a terminal patient, to give them privacy for the last few days.... Or for private contemplation since the elderly Sisters couldn't walk far..... Also, with the (at least once) remodeling of the building, it may have not been isolated while it was a convent, perhaps a small prayer room type deal, but without a door.
Neat find! You should be careful of any wallpaper that old that is green. In the Victorian era they used Arsenic to make vibrant green dye ("Scheele's Green") which was toxic. Perhaps you could send a sample to a historic society to find out if it's safe.
It has been noted that Billy's Dad is brave... being a great-grandfather myself, I note that he is wearing both suspenders and a belt so Billy's Dad does not take unnecessary chances. He shows the proper mix of both qualities. 👍
The cupboard's writing dates back to at least the turn of the last century from the writing calligraphy. Nuns in particular were taught fine writing calligraphy for use in embroidery of priesthood vestments. This one states the shelf had "Cordons de la Roberie" - Sashes for the robes. The St-Augustine Nuns wore sashes of cording around their waists. Depending on their rank in the nunnery, they had anywhere from one Franciscan knot - denoting a young nun (nonne) to 3 or 4 the higher up you were in the hierarchy. "La Sainte Famille" is the "holy family" is a black and white print. It depicts Jesus as a young boy. From my childhood, I'd say what Jesus is wearing, he has just been found by his parents in the Temple - speaking to the religious leaders - Luke 2: 41 - 49. It may look like a hidden room but perhaps it was boarded up to look like a storage room during the occupation of German soldiers during WWII as a hiding place? It would not have held many people but perhaps a few. The ingenious nails give it away as being the possible secret hideout. Nunneries at the time would have been a "sanctuary" in the 16 to 19th centuries but in "modern times" - 20th Century, it could very well have been boarded up to provide hiding places. You might find more of these as you go through the building. You may not have noticed but one wall had the Holy Family print but the papered wall (the canvas) has the religious icon of the Sacred Heart - this, according to Roman Catholic beliefs of the war years could protect any person devoted to Christ from all evil. Hope this helps.
@@michelleishappy4036 June is also the birthday of The Church bc it is when The Holy Paraclete ( Holy Spirit) made it's first appearance to the Apostles. I believe June 10th(?). These little facts help to add texture as some like me are not Catholic ...however have always been interested in the culture within convents.
What an amazing discovery. Might I suggest you wear a mask in some areas due to possible mold, asbestos and other unknown particles during your discovery and renovation works? You dad is amazing. Your convent is fabulous and so full of history. I am praying you find so much more history. Truly a great video Billy.
Check the print for a publication date on it. That secret room needs to be preserved. If any of the nuns are still alive it might be worth talking with them to see what they know of the secret room.
Looking forward to watching this Billy. Your weekly Vlogs are much better and something to Look forward to. The Convent is an amazing building that oozes character and charm. The creepiness will soon disappear once you put the Golden Billy touch to it. Best Wishes always.
If you turn off all of the visible light, and shine a UV light (UV "C" is safe and available on the consumer market) the semen stains will luminesce. It's used by law enforcement and hoteliers routinely.
Wow ….I’ve got goosebumps watching that ……! The Convent keeps on giving and I’m loving the discovery of it all. Perhaps there’s someone in the village who knows something of the history of the place Billy ? Great video ….thank you for sharing it ……can’t wait for the next episode……! x 😊
Unimaginable having to hideaway in such a small space, and wondering through those hallways is so super creepy especially when you are all alone, I get the chills all the way through the camera
I think that semi-circle piece at the top of the staircase might be the balustrade for a platform that was just outside the door and would overlook the chapel. Otherwise there isn't much use for the door.
Yes, that makes sense. the Nazi’s were diabolically thorough in searching for Jews who were converts to the Catholic faith, also.Even people of Jewish ancestry whose families had converted in previous generations were not safe. A professed member of a Religious order takes a new name in religion, but the Nazis through informants or searching bureaucratic records could find them , The Church took care to protect those at risk by moving them to other Houses/Convents., but once the Nazis identified their prey, they coulld show up at a convent and make an arrest or search. That room , as was mentioned could have been used as a hiding place for valuables. The Nazi;s confiscated beautiful paintings and treasures when they occupied a country. If only those old walls could talk.
I absolutely loved this episode Billy! And your father was a real sport for “going where when no one else has gone” (probably for several hundred years). Just think about all the surprises this building has in store for you!
Thank you for a lovely stay this week. It was great to finally meet everyone. You were all so very lovely, kind and generous. The convent is amazing with lots of work and we were lucky enough to find out about the room before the vlog went out. Exciting times for you all. No footage of the storm? A special shout to Florian from M & M (not Eminem) ;) (Michael and Marilyn from the Isle of Wight I.O.W). Missing the dogs and cats so much! They were adorable as are all of the Pethericks. :) xx
Looks like you have uncovered some really interesting history here! May be worth contacting a local historian. The secret room may have been to hide Jewish and other people from Nazis in the second world war, so your building may have been among the convents and monasteries doing this! This restoration project is looking very special indeed 😊
That was my thought as well but then he dated the wallpaper to 18th century, so it probably has had many uses over the years. From storing valuables to keeping humans alive. It's facinating and one of the things I love about old buildings. If only walls could tell stories.
That was my first thought! The different wallpaper patterns were probably leftover end cuts used for sound insulation. Even very old wallpapers could be applied at later dates.
Billy, the little spiral thingy at 9:22 is for Christmas ornaments/balls. You attach the ball or whatever and then it is easy to attach to the tree, instead of fiddling with a piece of string 😊
Wow, gave me the chills! What a fantastic discovery Billy. I think your dad is having so much fun with this new project. I loved your daily vlogs, but I’m really loving your weekly vlogs even more. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. xx
😮Wow! That's a very interesting find. The cupboard could also be to store food if someone was hiding in there for an extended period of time. And the footsteps - you've got a ghost (or two) for sure!
Is there perhaps a local historian that could help you learn the story of the convent? Or maybe search the town records for some answers Billy. A letter to the diocese might reveal a priest or bishop who could help fill in some of the blanks. I have to say this is one if my favorite videos so far....I love a good mystery!!
What you have found is the room where the hospital patients could attend and view the mass from. Had there been a gallery around the top, possibly for more patients, or a choir/chanter loft. The "Robery" would be where the nuns habits and priests liturgical wear were mended and altered. The room where that wallpaper was probably a material storage room, where the wall paper rolls were found. Also, if that were in England, I would call that hidden room a priest hole, where priests would hide during times of persecution. During the revolution there was in fact persecution of Catholics, so there may have been a period of need for a priest hole.
BILLY I just have to tell you what a wonderful son you are to your Dad. I love it hearing you say Dad because it shows you have a special relationship with your Dad, Do not let anything nor anyone take it from you or your Dad. God Bless you and your family.
Looks like you found the choir loft. 🙂 If you look at the newer line of wood in the back of the chapel, it looks like there was a jetty/loft for singing/extra pews. I know in Boston, at least, a lot of the old 18th century churches are VERY rickety/precarious up there and in danger of falling (so they don't let the public up there). But as I used to work for a pipe-organ manufacturer, I've been afforded a few looks into the bowels of churches where a lot of people don't go. (A room like that screams potential for a swell-box or the like if building into an existing architecture, but the toilets/sink/cabinets to me say that's where the choir would have their robes/books/etc.)
A hidden room…how exciting. Just imagine the history! You are so lucky to call that beautiful place your own. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place with us.
Great catch!!!! I venture that the 'Hidden Room' was used to hide Jews from inspections by the Nazi forces during WW-2. I also expect that when and if you start measuring the interior of the convent, that several more will be found, something like 'Don't hide all your eggs in one basket'. Additionally, has anyone ever considered taking a metal detector into the central yard to see if the previous occupants might have lost or hidden items in the ground? As large as the complex is, I would almost bet that using the ground would be a good place to keep certain personal items safe and never recovered.
Yes, I also think that there may be more secret rooms. Count the number of windows and see if it matches the number of rooms - you might find rooms with windows but no doors.
@DannyGirl This is in France where the German's physically searched every building seeking Jews and downed Allied airmen. Getting caught harboring either meant instant death for the entire occupants, even in a Nunnery.
Your lead in music of country theme music takes this Texas girl back to my youth. Growing up on western shows and movies. Makes me laugh hearing it on your French show.
I'm finding the unexplained foot steps and hidden little places fascinating. I travelled to Austria in memory of my late father and after mass at midnight walked with my husband to the lake (St Wolfgang).not one person was there.not one.i took photos of a candle that was lit on the lake plus other photos.A man appeared out of no where swearing a flat cap and expensive tweed coat and asked what we were doing.he put his hand on my shoulder and said "god bless"....it was midnight on Christmas eve.when we got home and had the photos developed ALL OF THE PHOTOS TAKEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND THE LAKE .....WERE FULL of orbs...All my family were extremely emotional 😢......so Billy just try taking random photos all around the convent .....you never know ..love to everyone xxx🧡❤🤍🖤🤎💜💙💚💛 xx
I LOVE how this old man charges around the building without a care in the world: he has seen it all and just charges ahead, no fear! I also LOVE the fact that he's wearing a Yankee's hat! Hahahahahahahaaa...
"The cupboard in the wall" sounds like a good book to read. Also, you could put up some google nest cams to see/hear what happens when no one is around.
at the 9:20 mark you show something and say you aren't sure what it is. It looks just like an old ornament hanger for christmas trees- you loop one curly end through the ornament's loop and use the other to keep it secure on the tree! We grew up using an old collection of my grandma's to decorate our tree!
Your convent just keeps giving you amazing gifts. The hidden room is very interesting and peeks my curiosity as to how it was used. Great video Billy, thanks🙏🏻❤️
My guess would be it was used for hiding things rather than people. It isn’t really big enough to hide people. Fascinating though. Thanks for showing it to us.
Just some info if you did not know, the windown that looks out over the chapel at 3.19 is used by sick or otherwize immobile sisters so they can still follow the church service.
Wow guys, that was a real treat! I can only imagine what was hiding in there...if only the walls could talk!! Thank you for this grand tour Billy!!!! It made my day as do all of your vlogs!!!
That's the oratory above the sanctuary. Used for private retreats , hermit days for the nuns. I used one just like it for many years. It was also used for sick sisters, nuns who were too ill to attend Mass.
I was holding my breath at times. Great finds ! Your father is amazing. Not sure about finding hidden walls Great hiding places. Love watching your adventures.
In all likelihood this was actually hidden storage for the chapel’s gilt silverware- chalices patens etc. Which is what the storage cupboard was for. They were quite common in convents and monasteries. It’s also possible that, as others have said, it was used to hide individuals during the War and much earlier periods (depending on the building’s age of course). Superb find!
I love watching you drive in a truck you love, going to a place you love. Your excitement kindles our excitement. Just love your videos. Best part of Sundays now! ❤️
We are loving the whole convent discoveries, it’s fascinating and so interesting and we admire your Dad for helping you out and just getting on in there! We love seeing this old convent building coming to light again with your family and workers being there and turning this historic old building into whatever you have planned for it. You are all working so hard! 👏
How fascinating! It looks like you might have some arsenic-based green on the wallpapers in that hidden room, so please do be careful when handling. Wear rubber or nitrile gloves, and a P2/N95 mask. Incidentally if it IS Scheele's Green that would mean the wallpaper, at least, dates from no earlier than 1815 or so, to the late 1800s.
I really love the way you are so respectful of the life in the convent and so careful in recording and preserving everything. I am fascinated by your renovation in the convent, entertaining me through covid, thank you!
I like the way you guys don't "half" do things'. Everything has that completed look - and not that winging it look. Great stuff guys. Look forward to Sundays and the latest projects.
I don't know, or remember the age of this covent... In the war people needed to hide... and yes, it could have been a hiding place for churchtresures during the war's... as you say, 'hence the cubbord'. Fascinating Billy!
What an exciting piece of history you’ve found. We have nothing like that in Australia as we are just a baby country compared to what went on in France over the years. So lucky that it has survived.
I'm thinking the secret room was used to hide people and the armoire was for storing food & supplies. The wallpaper kept any light from escaping the room, and scraps from other rooms were probably used.
You've blown us away today Billy with your finds. Incredible and so fascinating. Thanks for a great video and the music gave me goosebumps remembering watching old TV with my Dad.
That was SO amazing!! Watching you guys make this journey from afar over the internet has been really enriching. It's just so inspiring and I really appreciate how down to earth your family is. It's just nice to see people who are enthusiastic about restoring things from the past. Thank you so much for sharing with the world.
Since it was in use so recently as a care home…I wonder if any of the nursing staff or residents are still around who could elaborate on what it might have looked like before some details like the staircase were taken away.
Saint of family, you were meant to buy this convent , I love mick has a new venture to keep him young 😀, looking forward to seeing the renovation of this place , well done on your find Billy 👏 👏
Hi Billy, I bet that got you and your dads heart beating fast when you found that secret room! If only walls could talk! What stories they could tell, fascinating, what an amazing building, ghosts as well! It’s got to be haunted! And Billy you have got to remember it’s not the dead we have to worry about, it’s the living! I love this place, great video, much love xxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
It would be amazing if there was still nuns alive that actually lived in that convent or priest that came there to here confession perhaps, that could tell you something about it during there time there. Maybe even be lucky enough to have someone from WW11. I know a friend of my parents was shot down over Holland and was taken into a convent and nursed back to health. They had several soldiers they were hiding there during the war. Maybe someone will come forward. Good luck on anything you can find about the past. I am so glad y'all are bringing it back to life. Have a Blessed day.
"The Holy Family" is a classical depiction of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Not unusual to see it in a prayer closet, which is likely what the room was used for when it wasn't sheltering someone secretly!
I think you’re right about a hiding place for either a political prisoner or religious one. Such a fantastic find! Really sparks the imagination🥰 Love this place!
Door between hospital and chapel ... nuns who were ill could join the worship from the upper room without risking spreading their illness to the rest of the nuns I've seen it mentioned in various memoirs.
Pine Martens are like ferrets and weasels (mustelids). It is likely that they are in the floor and/or wall voids, which would explain the running footsteps. It's an amazing old place, and I am really enjoying your discoveries.
So much fun watching this discovery with you & your precious Dad. So glad he was there to share it. I laughed till my eyes watered at him batting the cob webs! I thought he feared nothing.
Billy are you sure that armoire didn’t have a false backing that might reveal another secret room that people could’ve hidden in? This was very fascinating! Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I hope you find more cool discoveries like this!
The historic events and refugees that place has seen over the centuries! A video one day, or maybe even a series of them over time, would be amazing going over the historic events in the area since the chapel was built so that people gain a sense of what the chapel has specifically seen over the centuries. Also, your production quality never ceases to impress.
Amazing from start to finish The music , The filming , The secret room , Cant wait to hear the history , looking forward to the renovation of convent & Apparments , Everyone working together ,
What a find! And the choice of music is fabulous! Takes me back to the big western movies with the big blue skies, Well done. As for the semi-circular mysterious structure in the room looking over the church, could it be the balcony where the choir would stand during services? It could have been positioned inside the church, so one would go out the glass doors from that room into the semi-circular area and stand in the church over the parishioners. There was only a quick view of the opening from the church floor, but it looks as though there is enough space for that to be a balcony. Lovely, and so exciting! I love your vlogs. Thanks for sharing all your hard work, Bev from south Florida.
I love watching your videos with you restoring this historical convent. The secret room is most likely what is called a 'priest hole'. This was a secret room large enough for the purpose of hiding one or two people, usually because of their religious beliefs. Most monasteries and convents had them through the centuries. I attended two convent schools during my school career and did Art as a subject. Our theory of art included drawing different historical eras of architectural buildings with their buttresses, arches, doors, and insignia specific to the buildings and who inhabited them. Such happy memories and being able to identify with your finds. Such an exciting experience watching this. Thank you, Billy!
It would be interesting to get the wallpaper dated to have an idea when the hidden room was used. It certainly may have been used during WW2, however, as a priest bolt hole it could date back even earlier (though I don't know how common they were in France, compared to England). Very interesting.
Correct priests did not need them in Catholic France but they were useful in the Revolution to hide aristocrats as well in WW2 the Catholic church was known to hide Jews etc. and another reason the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) AKA NAZIS went after the Catholic church as well.
Great video! Secret rooms; secret stories! I have to admit the opening music gave me quite the giggle! That's "cowboy, shoot 'em up western" TV show music for sure!
Watching your Vlogs makes me feel like the laziest person on Earth. You have no idea how much I want to catch a flight over and start pitching in. Your entire family makes me smile.
What a fun discovery !!! I absolutely love the Convent and am so excited to see the changes and improvements !!! Well done !!! Oh , and I adore your dad !!! 💖
This was amazing, please check to see if there's anything behind that cupboard I'd love to think it led to somewhere else as well. I bet there's some secret tunnels running from the convent to other places in the town it has been known to happen before, maybe you need to check the cellars too 🙂
I'm sure you'll find many more hidden rooms as you go along. Maybe even hidden passages. How exciting! Wish I were there to help clean and explore with you!
Simply amazing! A priest hole or possibly to hide Jews during the war. The room at the top of the chapel with that gorgeous doorway! Wow! The convent is just a constant wonder!
live not terribly far from Joak island.. so the thing is that they dont tell people is that the origional owner of oak island the coloured feller was rich with no history as to where he obtained the wealth.. he spent it and dispersed it already.. all thats left is scraps and wasted time.. if they cant reach it with the technology today there aint nothin there to reach.. just an old dump that buddy disposed of his trash in.
4:00 I'm pretty sure that bannister thing used to be outside the door looking out over the chappel around an old platform (if you can picture what I mean) and that little room was like the priests apartment or whatever and was accessible through the previous staircase.
Absolutely fascinating. I wonder how many people were hiding there for some reason. I was sure there was a hidden door to it as well. A fantastic find. 🤩
The room above the chapel may have been used for patients from the hospital for services. And the big discovery of the secret room, the nail locks and the beautiful door to the closet. My favorite part is the wallpaper find! Three maybe four different patterns of wallpaper, wow. Your Dad is so adventurous! Now we know where you get it! Happy hunting, love your vlogs
The tiny metal with curly cues at each end bottom of old closet upstairs is what we’ve used to hang ornaments on our Christmas tree ~ Maybe they had another use ~ the hidden/safety room so interesting!
When it comes to 'secret rooms' I've seen online, this definitely ranks high. The hidden door, the way its built. The print. The historical significance. All very though provoking.
You were exploring the infirmary section of that convent. That was where the elderly sisters would have lived. They could listen to their sisters below and feel somewhat connected with them. The priest would have come up the spiral staircase and brought them the sacrament. The nursing sisters would also have used the spiral staircase to bring food and things needed for their care. If you were to figure out where that staircase went and renovate it, you would have a spectacular space. The plumbing up there gives away that area's purpose, as well as the windows. And yes, I am a former nun.
May I ask what your experience as a nun was like? And why you stopped being one? I'm not Catholic, or even Christian (but my family are Baptists), but I've always held respect and intrigue for all cultures and religious beliefs. I've made it my mission to study them all. Knowledge is power, and I like learning!
@@Haley_Alexis99 The word "vocation" means "calling". I believe that God called me into the convent for all of those years and then He called me out of the convent. It would take me a long time and many cups of tea to tell you what happened. The Religious Life is intense. Each order has its own type of life. Basically, such a life follows a pattern of daily prayer and work.
@@dianeamison-loring7204 Thank you for giving me some insight!
A lot of convents held a lot of secrets as well. Why are there hidden rooms in a convent? That place is massive, so the fact that there was a hidden room means something not so nice was happening. We may never know.
If it was next to the elderly Sisters' area, perhaps it was for a terminal patient, to give them privacy for the last few days....
Or for private contemplation since the elderly Sisters couldn't walk far.....
Also, with the (at least once) remodeling of the building, it may have not been isolated while it was a convent, perhaps a small prayer room type deal, but without a door.
Neat find! You should be careful of any wallpaper that old that is green. In the Victorian era they used Arsenic to make vibrant green dye ("Scheele's Green") which was toxic. Perhaps you could send a sample to a historic society to find out if it's safe.
Billy: Absolutely, I hope you do this for safety reasons.
It has been noted that Billy's Dad is brave... being a great-grandfather myself, I note that he is wearing both suspenders and a belt so Billy's Dad does not take unnecessary chances. He shows the proper mix of both qualities. 👍
Best comment on this video! Loved every word 😍
The cupboard's writing dates back to at least the turn of the last century from the writing calligraphy. Nuns in particular were taught fine writing calligraphy for use in embroidery of priesthood vestments. This one states the shelf had "Cordons de la Roberie" - Sashes for the robes. The St-Augustine Nuns wore sashes of cording around their waists. Depending on their rank in the nunnery, they had anywhere from one Franciscan knot - denoting a young nun (nonne) to 3 or 4 the higher up you were in the hierarchy.
"La Sainte Famille" is the "holy family" is a black and white print. It depicts Jesus as a young boy. From my childhood, I'd say what Jesus is wearing, he has just been found by his parents in the Temple - speaking to the religious leaders - Luke 2: 41 - 49. It may look like a hidden room but perhaps it was boarded up to look like a storage room during the occupation of German soldiers during WWII as a hiding place? It would not have held many people but perhaps a few. The ingenious nails give it away as being the possible secret hideout. Nunneries at the time would have been a "sanctuary" in the 16 to 19th centuries but in "modern times" - 20th Century, it could very well have been boarded up to provide hiding places. You might find more of these as you go through the building. You may not have noticed but one wall had the Holy Family print but the papered wall (the canvas) has the religious icon of the Sacred Heart - this, according to Roman Catholic beliefs of the war years could protect any person devoted to Christ from all evil. Hope this helps.
EXACTLY! Protection
Very interesting information!
Wow that was great detail! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Made the video even more interesting!
Cool! June is the month of the Sacred Heart. ❤ Jezu Ufam Tobie. Jesus I trust in You!
@@michelleishappy4036
June is also the birthday of The Church bc it is when The Holy Paraclete ( Holy Spirit) made it's first
appearance to the Apostles.
I believe June 10th(?). These little facts help to add texture as some like me are not Catholic ...however have always been interested in
the culture within convents.
As a lover of American westerns thank you for the soundtrack of The Big Country
What an amazing discovery. Might I suggest you wear a mask in some areas due to possible mold, asbestos and other unknown particles during your discovery and renovation works?
You dad is amazing. Your convent is fabulous and so full of history. I am praying you find so much more history.
Truly a great video Billy.
Check the print for a publication date on it. That secret room needs to be preserved. If any of the nuns are still alive it might be worth talking with them to see what they know of the secret room.
Looking forward to watching this Billy. Your weekly Vlogs are much better and something to Look forward to. The Convent is an amazing building that oozes character and charm. The creepiness will soon disappear once you put the Golden Billy touch to it. Best Wishes always.
I love that Billy is concerned with conservation first and foremost. Save the wallpaper, the nails etc…🥰
yes!!!!!
If you turn off all of the visible light, and shine a UV light (UV "C" is safe and available on the consumer market) the semen stains will luminesce. It's used by law enforcement and hoteliers routinely.
Wow ….I’ve got goosebumps watching that ……! The Convent keeps on giving and I’m loving the discovery of it all.
Perhaps there’s someone in the village who knows something of the history of the place Billy ?
Great video ….thank you for sharing it ……can’t wait for the next episode……! x 😊
Unimaginable having to hideaway in such a small space, and wondering through those hallways is so super creepy especially when you are all alone, I get the chills all the way through the camera
Wow! A hidden room! Glad you and your Dad are not to squeamish going on your adventures of the hidden room! Love your vlogs!
I think that semi-circle piece at the top of the staircase might be the balustrade for a platform that was just outside the door and would overlook the chapel. Otherwise there isn't much use for the door.
Makes you wonder if that room was ever used as a temporary hiding place during WWII.
Definitely WW2 hiding spot. Frequently the French Catholic houses hid Jews from the Nazis. This would be my guess.
That would make the Saint of Family frame that Billy found on the wall all the more poignant.
Yes, that makes sense. the Nazi’s were diabolically thorough in searching for Jews who were converts to the Catholic faith, also.Even people of Jewish ancestry whose families had converted in previous generations were not safe. A professed member of a Religious order takes a new name in religion, but the Nazis through informants or searching bureaucratic records could find them , The Church took care to protect those at risk by moving them to other Houses/Convents., but once the Nazis identified their prey, they coulld show up at a convent and make an arrest or search. That room , as was mentioned could have been used as a hiding place for valuables. The Nazi;s confiscated beautiful paintings and treasures when they occupied a country. If only those old walls could talk.
I absolutely loved this episode Billy! And your father was a real sport for “going where when no one else has gone” (probably for several hundred years). Just think about all the surprises this building has in store for you!
Thank you for a lovely stay this week. It was great to finally meet everyone. You were all so very lovely, kind and generous. The convent is amazing with lots of work and we were lucky enough to find out about the room before the vlog went out. Exciting times for you all. No footage of the storm? A special shout to Florian from M & M (not Eminem) ;) (Michael and Marilyn from the Isle of Wight I.O.W). Missing the dogs and cats so much! They were adorable as are all of the Pethericks. :) xx
Your dad is amazing. He is helping you, your brother and your sister. He is always with one of you. He works so hard.
Looks like you have uncovered some really interesting history here! May be worth contacting a local historian. The secret room may have been to hide Jewish and other people from Nazis in the second world war, so your building may have been among the convents and monasteries doing this! This restoration project is looking very special indeed 😊
exactly what I was thinking! super cool if it was, because I was thinking Ann Frank's story when he discovered it.
Exactly what I thought.
That was my thought as well but then he dated the wallpaper to 18th century, so it probably has had many uses over the years. From storing valuables to keeping humans alive. It's facinating and one of the things I love about old buildings. If only walls could tell stories.
That was my first thought! The different wallpaper patterns were probably leftover end cuts used for sound insulation. Even very old wallpapers could be applied at later dates.
💯 on the same track of thoughts
Billy, the little spiral thingy at 9:22 is for Christmas ornaments/balls. You attach the ball or whatever and then it is easy to attach to the tree, instead of fiddling with a piece of string 😊
Wow, gave me the chills! What a fantastic discovery Billy. I think your dad is having so much fun with this new project. I loved your daily vlogs, but I’m really loving your weekly vlogs even more. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. xx
wow how cool is that. your Dad is like my Dad, fearless, love the ol guys, a breed on their own.
😮Wow! That's a very interesting find. The cupboard could also be to store food if someone was hiding in there for an extended period of time. And the footsteps - you've got a ghost (or two) for sure!
Is there perhaps a local historian that could help you learn the story of the convent? Or maybe search the town records for some answers Billy. A letter to the diocese might reveal a priest or bishop who could help fill in some of the blanks. I have to say this is one if my favorite videos so far....I love a good mystery!!
What you have found is the room where the hospital patients could attend and view the mass from. Had there been a gallery around the top, possibly for more patients, or a choir/chanter loft. The "Robery" would be where the nuns habits and priests liturgical wear were mended and altered. The room where that wallpaper was probably a material storage room, where the wall paper rolls were found. Also, if that were in England, I would call that hidden room a priest hole, where priests would hide during times of persecution. During the revolution there was in fact persecution of Catholics, so there may have been a period of need for a priest hole.
This is a good comment. These were my thoughts as well.
His dad called it a priest hole too, I think you are correct.
I thought of the priest's holes in the uk.. but dismissed it. Interesting to hear this Sandy Newman.
Priest glory hole
@@mariahoulihan9483 The picture on the wall in there deff seems as though the priest hole theory is right
BILLY I just have to tell you what a wonderful son you are to your Dad. I love it hearing you say Dad because it shows you have a special relationship with your Dad, Do not let anything nor anyone take it from you or your Dad. God Bless you and your family.
Looks like you found the choir loft. 🙂 If you look at the newer line of wood in the back of the chapel, it looks like there was a jetty/loft for singing/extra pews. I know in Boston, at least, a lot of the old 18th century churches are VERY rickety/precarious up there and in danger of falling (so they don't let the public up there). But as I used to work for a pipe-organ manufacturer, I've been afforded a few looks into the bowels of churches where a lot of people don't go. (A room like that screams potential for a swell-box or the like if building into an existing architecture, but the toilets/sink/cabinets to me say that's where the choir would have their robes/books/etc.)
Yes, that would explain the shelf with the 'Roberie' label on it. Robes would have been kept there for the choir.
A hidden room…how exciting. Just imagine the history! You are so lucky to call that beautiful place your own. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place with us.
Great catch!!!! I venture that the 'Hidden Room' was used to hide Jews from inspections by the Nazi forces during WW-2. I also expect that when and if you start measuring the interior of the convent, that several more will be found, something like 'Don't hide all your eggs in one basket'. Additionally, has anyone ever considered taking a metal detector into the central yard to see if the previous occupants might have lost or hidden items in the ground? As large as the complex is, I would almost bet that using the ground would be a good place to keep certain personal items safe and never recovered.
Yes, I also think that there may be more secret rooms. Count the number of windows and see if it matches the number of rooms - you might find rooms with windows but no doors.
I wud venture a guess that your definitely correct...
@DannyGirl france
@DannyGirl This is in France where the German's physically searched every building seeking Jews and downed Allied airmen. Getting caught harboring either meant instant death for the entire occupants, even in a Nunnery.
fascinating
Your lead in music of country theme music takes this Texas girl back to my youth. Growing up on western shows and movies. Makes me laugh hearing it on your French show.
I'm finding the unexplained foot steps and hidden little places fascinating. I travelled to Austria in memory of my late father and after mass at midnight walked with my husband to the lake (St Wolfgang).not one person was there.not one.i took photos of a candle that was lit on the lake plus other photos.A man appeared out of no where swearing a flat cap and expensive tweed coat and asked what we were doing.he put his hand on my shoulder and said "god bless"....it was midnight on Christmas eve.when we got home and had the photos developed ALL OF THE PHOTOS TAKEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND THE LAKE .....WERE FULL of orbs...All my family were extremely emotional 😢......so Billy just try taking random photos all around the convent .....you never know ..love to everyone xxx🧡❤🤍🖤🤎💜💙💚💛 xx
🤣😅🤣
Well it certainly wasn't my dad 🤣😅😂🤣😅🤣
I have now
I LOVE how this old man charges around the building without a care in the world: he has seen it all and just charges ahead, no fear! I also LOVE the fact that he's wearing a Yankee's hat! Hahahahahahahaaa...
"The cupboard in the wall" sounds like a good book to read. Also, you could put up some google nest cams to see/hear what happens when no one is around.
Whoa!
Yikes! Maybe the camera could catch who or what makes the sound of running footsteps on the upper floor, reported in earlier vlog??
at the 9:20 mark you show something and say you aren't sure what it is. It looks just like an old ornament hanger for christmas trees- you loop one curly end through the ornament's loop and use the other to keep it secure on the tree! We grew up using an old collection of my grandma's to decorate our tree!
Your convent just keeps giving you amazing gifts. The hidden room is very interesting and peeks my curiosity as to how it was used. Great video Billy, thanks🙏🏻❤️
My guess would be it was used for hiding things rather than people. It isn’t really big enough to hide people. Fascinating though. Thanks for showing it to us.
@@minkgin3370 hope you’re right 😅
Just some info if you did not know, the windown that looks out over the chapel at 3.19 is used by sick or otherwize immobile sisters so they can still follow the church service.
Wow guys, that was a real treat! I can only imagine what was hiding in there...if only the walls could talk!! Thank you for this grand tour Billy!!!! It made my day as do all of your vlogs!!!
That's the oratory above the sanctuary. Used for private retreats , hermit days for the nuns. I used one just like it for many years. It was also used for sick sisters, nuns who were too ill to attend Mass.
I was holding my breath at times. Great finds ! Your father is amazing. Not sure about finding hidden walls Great hiding places. Love watching your adventures.
In all likelihood this was actually hidden storage for the chapel’s gilt silverware- chalices patens etc. Which is what the storage cupboard was for. They were quite common in convents and monasteries. It’s also possible that, as others have said, it was used to hide individuals during the War and much earlier periods (depending on the building’s age of course). Superb find!
I love watching you drive in a truck you love, going to a place you love. Your excitement kindles our excitement. Just love your videos. Best part of Sundays now! ❤️
We are loving the whole convent discoveries, it’s fascinating and so interesting and we admire your Dad for helping you out and just getting on in there! We love seeing this old convent building coming to light again with your family and workers being there and turning this historic old building into whatever you have planned for it. You are all working so hard! 👏
How fascinating!
It looks like you might have some arsenic-based green on the wallpapers in that hidden room, so please do be careful when handling. Wear rubber or nitrile gloves, and a P2/N95 mask.
Incidentally if it IS Scheele's Green that would mean the wallpaper, at least, dates from no earlier than 1815 or so, to the late 1800s.
I really love the way you are so respectful of the life in the convent and so careful in
recording and preserving everything. I am fascinated by your renovation in the convent, entertaining me through covid, thank you!
I like the way you guys don't "half" do things'. Everything has that completed look - and not that winging it look. Great stuff guys. Look forward to Sundays and the latest projects.
I don't know, or remember the age of this covent... In the war people needed to hide... and yes, it could have been a hiding place for churchtresures during the war's... as you say, 'hence the cubbord'. Fascinating Billy!
Great discovery BUT in addition, you brought my childhood memories of Western movies with the soundtrack! Thanks Billy! 💕
Dude. Your dad is a laugh and a half. What a gem. Fun series!
What an exciting piece of history you’ve found. We have nothing like that in Australia as we are just a baby country compared to what went on in France over the years. So lucky that it has survived.
I'm thinking the secret room was used to hide people and the armoire was for storing food & supplies. The wallpaper kept any light from escaping the room, and scraps from other rooms were probably used.
You've blown us away today Billy with your finds. Incredible and so fascinating. Thanks for a great video and the music gave me goosebumps remembering watching old TV with my Dad.
I think the music was also from an American musical about the West. The lyrics keep evading me.
I thought the music definitely had an “old west” flavor to it. It was like watching tv in the fifties and sixties…
How the West was Won?? Maybe that was the movie. An oldie!
The Big Country! 👍
That was SO amazing!! Watching you guys make this journey from afar over the internet has been really enriching. It's just so inspiring and I really appreciate how down to earth your family is. It's just nice to see people who are enthusiastic about restoring things from the past. Thank you so much for sharing with the world.
Since it was in use so recently as a care home…I wonder if any of the nursing staff or residents are still around who could elaborate on what it might have looked like before some details like the staircase were taken away.
Saint of family, you were meant to buy this convent , I love mick has a new venture to keep him young 😀, looking forward to seeing the renovation of this place , well done on your find Billy 👏 👏
Wow....what a find!! Well done, Mick and Billy!!
This hidden room is a wonderful find. WOW, WOW on the wallpaper. It makes a Junk Journaler like me drool. Beautiful and vintage. Blessings.
Hi Billy, I bet that got you and your dads heart beating fast when you found that secret room! If only walls could talk! What stories they could tell, fascinating, what an amazing building, ghosts as well! It’s got to be haunted! And Billy you have got to remember it’s not the dead we have to worry about, it’s the living! I love this place, great video, much love xxxxxxxxxx😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
It would be amazing if there was still nuns alive that actually lived in that convent or priest that came there to here confession perhaps, that could tell you something about it during there time there. Maybe even be lucky enough to have someone from WW11. I know a friend of my parents was shot down over Holland and was taken into a convent and nursed back to health. They had several soldiers they were hiding there during the war. Maybe someone will come forward. Good luck on anything you can find about the past. I am so glad y'all are bringing it back to life. Have a Blessed day.
"The Holy Family" is a classical depiction of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Not unusual to see it in a prayer closet, which is likely what the room was used for when it wasn't sheltering someone secretly!
I think you’re right about a hiding place for either a political prisoner or religious one. Such a fantastic find! Really sparks the imagination🥰 Love this place!
Door between hospital and chapel ... nuns who were ill could join the worship from the upper room without risking spreading their illness to the rest of the nuns
I've seen it mentioned in various memoirs.
Pine Martens are like ferrets and weasels (mustelids). It is likely that they are in the floor and/or wall voids, which would explain the running footsteps. It's an amazing old place, and I am really enjoying your discoveries.
Damn Billy, you gave me the frikkin' willies going around with that torch, good grief man, my heart.
Regards from South Africa.
So much fun watching this discovery with you & your precious Dad.
So glad he was there to share it.
I laughed till my eyes watered at him batting the cob webs!
I thought he feared nothing.
Good Lord aren’t there enough rooms without having to hide them too?! It’s fascinating. The music today was great, Billy!!
Very cool! Makes you wonder if they ever hid people in there, either during the Revolution or during WWII.
What an incredible find. If only walls could talk. Imagine the events they could describe or stories they could tell. Thanks for sharing 😍😘
Billy are you sure that armoire didn’t have a false backing that might reveal another secret room that people could’ve hidden in? This was very fascinating! Kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I hope you find more cool discoveries like this!
That was cool! More exciting than Al Capone’s vault for-sure. If you remember that disappointment of an American TV special.
@@badapple65 Never understood how Geraldo Rivera wasn't shamed off TV for that fiasco.
Narnia!!!!
In all fairness, they did find a broken bottle in Capone's Vault, and that is definitely EXCITING!!! We were DESPERATE for entertainment back then...
I thought the same about there being more to that room. It doesn’t make sense to wall up such a small insignificant space.
The historic events and refugees that place has seen over the centuries! A video one day, or maybe even a series of them over time, would be amazing going over the historic events in the area since the chapel was built so that people gain a sense of what the chapel has specifically seen over the centuries.
Also, your production quality never ceases to impress.
You voiced my thoughts exactly. Would love the history of that building.
It’s an a,axing idea this! Please do it! If I were there I would help you
Amazing find. Doorways to hidden treasures. Ha ha. It is great to see you and also Sadie working on the Convent
Imagine being a kid exploring this place! I would love to be part of a project like this, restoring something to its old glory.
Amazing from start to finish The music , The filming , The secret room , Cant wait to hear the history , looking forward to the renovation of convent & Apparments , Everyone working together ,
What a find! And the choice of music is fabulous! Takes me back to the big western movies with the big blue skies, Well done. As for the semi-circular mysterious structure in the room looking over the church, could it be the balcony where the choir would stand during services? It could have been positioned inside the church, so one would go out the glass doors from that room into the semi-circular area and stand in the church over the parishioners. There was only a quick view of the opening from the church floor, but it looks as though there is enough space for that to be a balcony. Lovely, and so exciting! I love your vlogs. Thanks for sharing all your hard work, Bev from south Florida.
@@gardengatesopen It's from the movie The Big Country actually, Gregory Peck & Charlton Heston. Good movie!
I thought it was from a western. Reminded me of my dad who loved westerns. 👍
@@MC-342 yes
I love watching your videos with you restoring this historical convent. The secret room is most likely what is called a 'priest hole'. This was a secret room large enough for the purpose of hiding one or two people, usually because of their religious beliefs. Most monasteries and convents had them through the centuries. I attended two convent schools during my school career and did Art as a subject. Our theory of art included drawing different historical eras of architectural buildings with their buttresses, arches, doors, and insignia specific to the buildings and who inhabited them. Such happy memories and being able to identify with your finds. Such an exciting experience watching this. Thank you, Billy!
3333ee3ee~eeeee3eeeeeeeeeeeee7ee~~Eeeeewigkeiten
It would be interesting to get the wallpaper dated to have an idea when the hidden room was used. It certainly may have been used during WW2, however, as a priest bolt hole it could date back even earlier (though I don't know how common they were in France, compared to England). Very interesting.
Correct priests did not need them in Catholic France but they were useful in the Revolution to hide aristocrats as well in WW2 the Catholic church was known to hide Jews etc. and another reason the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) AKA NAZIS went after the Catholic church as well.
I'm also thinking it might be a priest hole.
Amazing discovery!! Your Dad is so cool going into the hidden room. Love his sense of humor!! Gotta say those hallways give me goosebumps!
Oh my goodness, really looking forward to this Billy xxx💕💕
I'm Australian, and really enjoying your videos, and also reading and learning things in people's comments. I find history so interesting.
Brilliant Billy love your dad the way he just gets straight in there. I'm sure you will discover many other things over the coming months x
Great video! Secret rooms; secret stories! I have to admit the opening music gave me quite the giggle! That's "cowboy, shoot 'em up western" TV show music for sure!
Watching your Vlogs makes me feel like the laziest person on Earth. You have no idea how much I want to catch a flight over and start pitching in. Your entire family makes me smile.
What a fun discovery !!! I absolutely love the Convent and am so excited to see the changes and improvements !!! Well done !!! Oh , and I adore your dad !!! 💖
Wow! A secret room! I do wonder what else you will discover. Absolutely exciting times.
I'm sure there is something else around this hidden door you haven't already found.......incredible! 💚🌷💚
So fascinating, can’t wait to see what else you will discover.
Wow, the music reminds me of childhood, Big country, amazing find Billy, well done, thanks for sharing your exciting journey 🥰
This was amazing, please check to see if there's anything behind that cupboard I'd love to think it led to somewhere else as well. I bet there's some secret tunnels running from the convent to other places in the town it has been known to happen before, maybe you need to check the cellars too 🙂
Yes, where I went to college used to be a Catholic boys school, and there was an underground tunnel to the local church. (Wisconsin, US)
I'm sure you'll find many more hidden rooms as you go along. Maybe even hidden passages. How exciting! Wish I were there to help clean and explore with you!
Simply amazing! A priest hole or possibly to hide Jews during the war. The room at the top of the chapel with that gorgeous doorway! Wow! The convent is just a constant wonder!
As a quilter, that wallpaper had beautiful floral designs that would be lovely on fabric! Enjoying this adventure.
Love this. You found in one hour something way more interesting than anything they have found in nine series of oak island! Hahaha
😂
live not terribly far from Joak island.. so the thing is that they dont tell people is that the origional owner of oak island the coloured feller was rich with no history as to where he obtained the wealth.. he spent it and dispersed it already.. all thats left is scraps and wasted time.. if they cant reach it with the technology today there aint nothin there to reach.. just an old dump that buddy disposed of his trash in.
What!? I love hundreds of rusted ox shoes! Lol
@@TenheadLife Oh yes old rusty ox shoes are so special. lol
😂
4:00 I'm pretty sure that bannister thing used to be outside the door looking out over the chappel around an old platform (if you can picture what I mean) and that little room was like the priests apartment or whatever and was accessible through the previous staircase.
Absolutely fascinating. I wonder how many people were hiding there for some reason. I was sure there was a hidden door to it as well. A fantastic find. 🤩
Ww2 hiding Jewish people probably. Amazing discovery.
Your building is beautiful. I cannot wait for more content have already watch all your videos on this page about the building.
I absolutely loved this Billy. Excellent filming and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what wS in the secret room. Thanks as always 👏
The room above the chapel may have been used for patients from the hospital for services. And the big discovery of the secret room, the nail locks and the beautiful door to the closet. My favorite part is the wallpaper find! Three maybe four different patterns of wallpaper, wow. Your Dad is so adventurous! Now we know where you get it! Happy hunting, love your vlogs
The tiny metal with curly cues at each end bottom of old closet upstairs is what we’ve used to hang ornaments on our Christmas tree ~ Maybe they had another use ~ the hidden/safety room so interesting!
Seems to me more like celtic double spiral 🤔 for some energetic meaning.. but Idk
Wow, what a find!! I bet there will be more hidden rooms and treasures to find!
Thanks for sharing 😊
Loving each episode, Billy! Thx for dragging us along. We ( I think I can speak for many) love your adventures every week!
PG Tips wonderful find Billy exciting times ahead . Your dads so good shame there’s no treasure !!! Well done 👍🙏🏻🙏🏻👏👏👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧