Hidden Secrets inside a Tudor Manor House | Harvington Hall 

No Infographs, zero props, no fancy editing or CG, just Kevin walking around an old English manor and yet I was completely entranced by the way he tells a story. Thanks for the work you put into these videos because I really enjoy watching

I'm honestly amazed you're not hosting TV documentaries yet! Your passion for history is infectious.

I just realized this wasn’t from a major network after finishing the video and coming to the comments. Absolutely amazing job! Your passion for history shone through and was so infectious. How exciting history is even this long after these events took place!

As a Catholic, I was taken here by my Catholic school on a day trip when I was still in junior school in the late 60’s. It’s fascinating

I wish we was taught history like this when I was at school. Thanks Kevin for your visual style of teaching history.

As the daughter of an architect who loves historic architecture, I find the construction details you're showing us completely fascinating!

The luxury of those days astound me. The ingenuity, planning, and craftsmanship that was put into this home.

I went here as a kid on a school trip, this was about 16 years ago. I always remembered the book Hide. At the time the tour guide got 6 of us inside whilst the others in the class tried to find us to no avail. Needless to say amazing content!!!!!

This man is awesome he also has such a calm and soothing voice.

He’s a charming man, who’s so enthusiastic about the history of the place.

This just sent me on a wonderful trip down memory lane!! I came here on a school trip in year 5 or 6. I remember all of us giggling as volunteers squeezed into the wood beam hidey-hole. They closed the place up and made us quiet to prank the next batch of classmates to walk through. That was over ten years ago.

Kevin Hicks is a wonderful commentator. His observations are articulated well and not overstated. He seemed to intuitively know what is interesting and worth sharing. I was engaged the entire time. Cheers to you Kevin!

It's nice to see these old buildings still standing so many have been left to ruin which is a shame. Brilliant video though 😊 👍

You have a priest, O.M.G. That made me smile! Such a great presenter. Very cheeky

The architecture of medieval times is absolutely mind boggling to me. It’s stunning and such an interesting thing to learn about.

I've watched hundreds if not thousands of hours of history videos over the years, this is one of the best, just a straightforward presentation of something amazing by someone who is amazed by it. Also why have I never seen this house before? I really want to visit it. I think it's my favourite ever.

Kevin, you're the best history presenter ever!

Never stop showing us this great history, I can tell people for generations will learn from this.

How the BBC has missed out on your services is beyond me. Tudor and medieval archaeology in the UK is a hobby passion of mine and you sir are an absolute gold mine of knowledge. Thank you so much for this and all your videos my good Sir. May all your wishes be granted.

Your enthusiasm translates across the screen. I've watched so many historical tours and documentaries, but none make me feel like I'm actually there, but you have that gift. As a teacher, I don't know which I admire more, your historical knowledge and ability to focus on even small details, or your effortless delivery and ability to draw your audience in. Well done, sir. I think this was my favorite episode, ever. Also, kudos for being a gentleman who gives acknowledgements to others, like the man who made the faux pies, or the one who discovered Elizabeth's portrait.

Cheers Kevin, I hope you never change. As an American you’ve taught me so much, I would love to see more of your personal history and time in Ireland. You might think nobody wants to hear it but I’m sure we all do! We watch for you #1 and the history #2. Thanks a bunch!

Thanks, Kevin, for a most fascinating tour of the house. The hides were very cleverly done, and as a bit of a carpenter, and furniture maker myself, I would have loved the challenge of the task. Unfortunately, it is also saddening at the same time, to think of the extreme measures needed to avoid being killed as a result of religious persecution. As always, cheers from Texas, and I look forward to your next video.

It doesn't pong! Kevin is a master of making history a fun humorous experience! Thank you!

Hello from Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. I never had much interest in learning about this until I stumbled across this channel. The episode about surgeons removing arrows caught my attention and now I'm hooked.

Incredible how much original state remains.

From an age where persecution see-sawed between the denominations. Bloody Mary's earlier five-year reign wasn't merciful towards protestants. Scores were settled under Elizabeth. Riveting tour of the magnificent house that would've shimmered in bright beautiful paintings and murals throughout. Kevin is a very engaging host. Cheers. Respect from Ireland.

As an American it’s been a long time dream of mine to visit the UK and thoroughly enjoy and take in it’s beautiful rich history. Absolutely fascinating and one of the best places in the world.

Thanks to people like you who keep history alive and not trying to cancel it like we’re doing in the USA

intriguing history, it’s a testament to the devotion and determination to be true to one’s self. the fact that secrets are still being uncovered over four and a half centuries later is simply astounding…

The fact that there were carpenters marks around some joints means that, at some point, that part of the house was standing elsewhere. The marks ensure that having been dismantled and moved that part of the building could be re-assembled. In those days 'moving house' meant just that. The main structure of the house was the oak beams and the holes in between would be filled in by wood panels, on the interior, and wattle and daub, on the exterior.

This was fascinating! And delivered in such a down-to-Earth engaging way without being patronising. Skillful camera work too! Thank you!

Thank you for your passion for history. Most of us Americans have our roots in your country and it is fascinating to learn about our collective story. Thank you again.

Those original worn floorboards have had centuries of people walking on them. I bet they could tell a few stories 😮

I cannot express how grateful I am for your history teaching. I’ve learned so much. Wish you had of been my history teachers. Hope everyone has a great rest of the month. Great group of people in this community

This is a most amazing historical lesson. Thank you for sharing this. I previously had not known about this as this wasn't taught in America.

Does anyone else get the feeling that Kevin’s house is filled with trapdoors, priest hides (used for crafting historic reproduction models, miniature train villages and their accoutrements and various costuming?). One can just tell it would keep all of us busy for decades just looking at it all! Much love, Kevin - be well my friend! ❤️🐈

Thank you so much for this tour, Kevin! I love Elizabethan architecture, and the walking tour is so much easier to wrap my head around instead of still pictures or just jumping from room to room. I'd love to see more manor tours!

I really resonated with this house as you walked through. As carpenter myself I love seeing the work of a master and the marks of other craftsmen. The jointers were more than likely paid by the piece and we still use the same kind of wood chisels. I feel like I can see that carpenter in my mind, he's making his mark and probably pulling on his arms something awful by now buts he tallying up how much he's going to make that day, is there enough for rent? For the market? Maybe he's got a wife and baby at home to support, maybe he's a young man still and he's going to be having a night out with other lads on his crew? Things like that is why I love working on old houses and I feel that connection and it feels like the only thing separating us is just time not space because we're still always people no matter what Era of time we've landed in. It feels like a real link with the past.

You are an amazing presenter. Great job. I love history, but what I love the most about it is learning about everyday objects and buildings that inform me about life at that time. I am a hand tool woodworker by hobby. It would take me days to get through this house because I would be examining EVERY little detail down to the tool marks........imagining and connecting with the man who was responsible, imagining his life. What a profound feeling.....it’s the closest thing to time travel. Thank you again. I wish we had history that deep here in the US.

This is amazing. I recently read the book The Priest Hunters by Colin C. Murphy that's about priest hunting in Ireland. It was neat to see actual priest hides similar to some of what was described in the book and bring that period of history to life.

Really enjoyed this video Kevin, what a fabulous, beautiful Tudor House and totally loving all the Priest Holes, especially that staircase. I do appreciate that hiding Priests was a very serious business and often ment literally putting your head on the block! Just shows you how strong their faith really was to these Catholics if they were willing to risk their lives to carry on with their religion. Is it true that some Priests died in some Priest holes, relying on a fellow Catholic to release you if indeed they haven't been caught? Dangerous times,.. Ah Kevin I could listen to you all day teaching me history, your simply the best. 👍😊❤️

MANY thanks, Kevin. You bring history to life. I get excited by history and the fact that those people from hundreds of years ago were just like ourselves. It is the everyday things like the carpenters marks that fascinate me and the ingenuity of the priest hides. Once again thanks for a GREAT video !

I was thrilled to see this appear in my feed and it didn't disappoint. I remember visiting this house in 1970 when I was 10 and I've been fascinated with history -esp this era- ever since. We went into some of the priest holes and I discovered I'm claustrophobic 😁 I remember standing in front of one of the windows upstairs looking out and with the wonderful imagination of a child picturing what I was wearing, smelling, seeing back then. I definitely felt a little spooked in a few parts of the house as well. I would have loved a close up of the doors as there seemed to be lots of different door styles in there. Thank you so much for a wonderful tour and a reminder of my visit as a child! I've often thought if this great house. I'm from Brum and my family live in Kidderminster now whilst I live in Essex.

The History Squad's love of history and portraying it is amazing. It's about time the BBC gave you a show of your own.

It's interesting how much effort went into making this manor house appear like a normal place while concealing numerous means of hiding from the authorities.

I love the way you narrate history for us!I've been an anglophile my whole life and Harvington hall is amazing,thank you for your videos sir,I love them!

I am amazed by each episode. Thanks for your professionalism, true love of history and willingness to provide topnotch information. May GOD bless

You bring such a refreshing insight into history. You've got the gift of the gab, keep it up lovely chap.

Fantastic! Just the right balance between professionalism and pure enthusiastic interest. The BBC used to be really good at it. Now it's your job Kevin.

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks Kevin, I love the history of your home country. I am very keen on the cross over from mideval to the Tuder period, mind you, England is ALL history. Thanks again for the video, stay safe, and as always best regards.

So fascinating! I’ve never seen paintings like this, exquisite. Thank you. It certainly reminds me not to take the practice of my faith for granted. God bless their brave souls.

Loved this video, Mr. Hicks! I've always enjoyed history, but exploring little places like this, places I likely would not have heard about if not for your channel, is truly amazing! It's awe-inspiring to stand in an old place, to see and touch old things from centuries ago. Thanks for the tour! :-)

I think this is the most fascinating episode yet! I love the last hidey-hole under the stairs. Awful, awful that Nicholas Owen was tortured to death and the priests were killed. Barbaric!

Always fascinating listening and exploring with Kevin. I think if I had been this inspired at school, I'd be a proper historian today, too!

This presentation has been immensely informative and it has capture much more than history, but so much reflection and consideration for the era of the past and those who made it. Thank you ! I found the well water located in the cooking area so amazing, and all the religious references deeply touching. I can't even imagine what life must have been like for the religious faithful. Beautiful presentation. Immense thanks. I'd like to share some points with my students.

Fascinating to watch, as H. Hall is local to me, I pass it daily on my way to work, and I didn’t know about it’s rich history. Thank You for enlightening me, to this amazing building!

Just recently had my ancestry DNA come back mostly English, Scottish, Irish & Norwegian. It’s been my life dream to visit these amazing castles in my ancestors’ lands. Thank you Kevin! I wish I could visit these places in person with you as my navigator.

Even if one didn't need to be a fortress, having a moat could greatly enhance security. If you were hiding a priest, obviously it forced pursuivants to wait until you chose to open the door. Also, it meant the home's goods would be harder for thieves and dishonest servants to steal. Lastly, if the home was attacked, it would make defense far more feasible.

Sorry, double comment haha. I couldn’t be trusted to preserve a house with so many secret areas. I would probably do so much damage pulling up floor-boards or removing bricks from walls looking for more secret areas. This is fascinating.

This was just delightful -- history you can actually touch! I am so grateful that this house was made to last and no one foolishly tore it down. Thank you for the walk through.

More local stories of historic buildings I know. Your Goodrich castle vid got me subscribed! I went to a concert of Catholic Elisabethan music in Harvington Hall with a choir, and band of cornets [the wooden sort] and period trombones - or sackbuts as they are properly known. I went with my friend, the late Jim Bennett, who was curator of the Elgar Birthplace Museum, The Firs, Lower Broadheath. At the time Jim still had a car, but did not trust himself to drive as he was in the early stages of Parkinsonism. So I went from Hereford to Worcester and drove Jim in his car to the concert on a lovely summer's evening. We parked fairly close and a little Jack Russell Terrier came out of a doorway and pee'd on a wheel! I love dogs and called to him gently, "Hello, little one. Fancy a tickle!" He immediately rolled over for tummy fuss. He loved it. The owner came tumbling out say that he was a nasty snappy little son of the dirt!. I said that I have never had trouble with dogs. He told me the dog was thirteen and I was the first stranger he had communed with in all his days!. I was forgiven. It made my day, and the dog's ... Then we went into Harvington Hall for the pre-concert guided tour and saw the actual priest hide you showed first, by the bread oven. Amazing house. Amazing history. The concert was in the hall you showed! I love your vids! Thank you, and best wishes, George PS: I used to deliver ice cream to Coughton Court to the National Trust cafe there! PPS: Two vids of my current dog, given me last July as a rescue. She is called Lu, short for Luna: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kTDHQb2s6rk.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-X2lrDBhC-vU.html I hope you enjoy watching a little Patterdale Terrier coming back to being the happy creature that a settled Terrier should be! The first is a week after I was given her, and the second at the end of winter this year. She developed a lot even since then. She has almost completely given up barking!

You're the best, Kevin and Julie! Condolences for the loss of your friends. I'm sure they'd love what you're doing with the channel.

Kevin Thank you for showing us this beautiful castle, it wouldn’t be fun without you! 🤗💙🙏

In 1871 my GGGt grandmother and two of her sisters-in-law were on a spiritual retreat at Harvinton Hall....so happy to have found this post. It brings it to life for me. xx

Brilliant! Visiting here (and the commandry in Worcester) were my favourite childhood outings!!

Another excellent video Kevin, showing the darker side of English history. I didn't realise they would actually take days to search a house!

Love this, amazing what they did, all the hidey holes. My ears perked up when you said de Beauchamp. The de Beauchamp that had the house, his grandfather is my 21st great grandfather, so I guess that makes him my uncle. Wow.

Started watching and couldn't stop........brilliant and fascinating to listen to all your knowledge - thanks so much for posting! Will be catching up on the rest of your videos over the next few weeks 🙂

I'd love to see your take on Stokesay Castle, south of Craven Arms. It's not really a castle, more of a fortified manor house, but an interesting beautiful place never the less.

You sir , are the most perfect tour guide i have ever seen in my whole life( i am past 50 years by the way ) That was a fantastic explanation , truly fascinating indeed .

Since being a child, I’m now 70 I have loved the stately houses of Britain. I wish I could put into words the enjoyment you sir have brought to me with the excellent documentary. I have commented before on your outstanding military documentaries but this one took me back to all the beautiful Manor House’s I have visited. Thank you so much for the absolute pleasure you have brought into my life with this little gem of British history 🫡👌

You sir are a breath of fresh air.Thank you so much. I met a gentle man like you!He was my gramps.He took my family and myself in a , Austin 7we went all over Britain and he taught us so much.i lovehistoty so much❤I'm now retired .He was such a gentle man,just like you.✨

Kevin you’re the kind of person I could set down with a few drinks and just pick your brain about the 100 years war, Wars of the Rosses , both world wars, medieval arms . You have a wealth of Knowledge that peaks my Interest. You Sir are a Nation Treasure of The UK. I always learn something new every time I watch your videos

What a wonderful insight into the History of our Country, your doing an amazing job of showing it all to us and explaining what was behind it all, thank you ❤

Fascinating! Lovely to see a place so untouched. Interesting history. Thanks. 👍

Those little things that make this house so unique are extremely clever. Just the idea of hiding a hide behind a hidden treasure store! They found the treasure and stopped looking!

LOVE this channel! I was in aww watching it. I put myself in that time period imagining what it would’ve been like hiding in those hideouts! First time hearing of that amazing and brave man Nicholas Owen too! Thanks for showing us around and explaining as you go- you’re definitely gifted at storytelling and captivating people!!!! Thanks again! ☺️👍

Fantastic house, would love to own it and live there.

This was so interesting. Thank you to Kevin Hicks who told the stories perfectly.

Houses like these are so fascinating. You, sir, are a treasure! Much love from WV, United States.

love the movies you make, more tours like these please, castles houses, cool ! Love the way you tell things....

I find this house amazing, especially the Builders/Architects who designed all the hidey holes to keep them secret for the Priests to hide in, and the crews who built it without the help of dump trucks, concrete mixers, JCB's, cranes, scaffolding and all the other modern building machines. A fantastic house and no doubt a nightmare to maintain all the buildings around the main house. I guess this house today would cost millions of quids to build it, and who did, must be rolling in money from an money pit with no bottom to it......😄

I'm so sorry that your friends are gone. Thank you for sharing your memories of them as well as such a wealth of information about the house and its history.

You have made my day with your excitement about showing us the Harvington Hall. I love the smile you get when you talk about the secrets! Thank you so much!

Excellent video!! Always interested to know more about the Elizabethan age. Please keep the videos coming.

It's so refreshing to come to your videos, with the world news so horrifying and depressing. A great escape. Always well done.

What an extraordinary manor house. The higgledy-piggledy part is what made it unique and cute!

A lovely video. I have the same fascination as Kevin with our historical past and those that lived in those times. thanks Kevin

What a beautiful and amazing house ! I wish I had one like it , especially the moat ! Thanks for sharing this amazing landmark with us !!!

Thank you for an amazing house tour. It reminds me of the Winchester House, California, which whilst of a slightly different character (!) also has so many different levels and quirky features.

I went to Harvington Hall on a school trip back in the day (70s) and the day was ruined by the teacher making us fill out worksheets. But now I'm going to enjoy it as I should have, with you letting me experience it. Thanks!

Absolutely amazing Documentary! Better than anything on TV! The way he takes your thought the House and tells the stories with obvious enthusiasm holds your attention.

i do love all your videos have done for a while

Really enjoy ur videos thank you so much for bringing history to life ❤

Thank you for showing these "hides". They give me ideas for safe-rooms.

I discovered your channel earlier today and I'm having an absolute blast binge watching your content!

I LOVE YOUR TOURS SOOOOOO MUCH!!!! Please oh please create more!!!! I agree with @paperduck, it's hard to believe the BBC hasn't snatched you up to create content for them!!!! You're THE BEST presenter, so engaged, so enthusiastic, your love for history is clear and it's contagious :)

That was an incredible tour, almost felt it was real.(like i was there) You are awesome!👏👏

I came across this video by accident just letting YT play history vids and I dont know who this host is but he is fantastic, Im subbing in hopes to see more of him, his personality is fantastic and quite engaging.

Truly a blessing to watch this tour with you. Many, many thanks!