History Day: Secrecy and subterfuge: Catholic life in penal times

Harvington Hall Image: Archdiocese of Birmingham

A day exploring the lives of the English Reformation Martyrs will take place at Harvington Hall on 3 May - the eve of their feast day. Described as 'A house of near untouched beauty hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside' - Harvington Hall has no less than seven priest holes - more than any other house in England - as well as an impressive collection of rare Elizabethan wall paintings and many more historical tales.

The History Day, organised by the Birmingham Archdiocesan History and Archives Commission in collaboration with Harvington Hall, will include talks on the history, significance and tradition of the Reformation Martyrs as well opportunities for tours of the Hall, including its priest hides.

The day will begin with Mass in St Mary's Church, (celebrant Mgr John Moran, priest of Harvington), followed by an introduction from Historical Director of the Hall, Michael Hodgetts, on the Elizabethan Catholic Underground.

After an opportunity for refreshments/light lunch, there will be a guided tour of Harvington Hall.

The afternoon talks will take place in the Great Chamber of Harvington Hall. Dr Sarah Johanesen will speak on 'Priestly Disguise and Anti-Popery on the English Mission (1569-1640)'. Dr Alison Shell will give a talk on ' Disguise and Concealment in Stuart Catholic Drama/

Tickets are £15 per person.

To book see: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/secrecy-and-subterfuge-catholic-life-in-early-modern-england-tickets-276837507437?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Read more about Harvington Hall here: www.harvingtonhall.co.uk/