Message #242118

[I Am a Fugitive from the Chain Gang]

image via: Gutenberg)

Even before the time of Catholic persecution, it was not unusual for British homes to feature hidden rooms and passages designed to conceal people or provide a quick escape in case of danger. Existing priest holes and other hidden rooms in castles and homes came in handy when King Charles II was fleeing during the English Civil War. He took refuge in several homes with hidden chambers, often spending several days at a time holed up in tiny spaces. You can still find priest holes and hidden chambers today in many of England’s historic homes.