Harvington Hall: The House of Secrets Jo Durrant in conversation with Phil Downing

Can you imagine having to hide in a tiny space, cleverly concealed in the fabric of a building, and not knowing when youd get to escape?
Thats what a number of Catholic priests in Elizabethan England did, as it was illegal for them to set foot in the country from 1585.
The consequences of being found by a priest hunter were often harrowing.Harvington Hall in Kidderminster has the countrys finest collection of priest hides, including under the stairs and above a bread oven.
Manager Phil Downing has not just spent years researching these hiding places, hes also spent a period of time locked in them on three different occasions the last time for 48 hours.Phil joins Jo Durrant to reveal some surprising stories from the building known as the house of secrets.Jo Durrant is the award-winning presenter of the independent arts and science podcast Jo Durrants Beautiful Universe. Shes a highly respected and accomplished interviewer and event chair, and a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals. Jo is freelance but for over 20 years was a presenter, producer & reporter with BBC radio and interviewed hundreds of people, from Melanie C to Tim Peake.
The conversation will be followed by a chance to ask questions and chat over tea and coffee if you wish.T his interview-style event takes place in the Museums Walled Garden Pavilion, the glass-fronted room set within the gorgeous secret garden borders hidden away at the heart of Stratford Park. Access is via Museum Reception, then via a sloping pathway or steps up into the garden.
Tea and coffee included.
Limited spaces so advance booking highly recommended.