In this Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope, the Chaplaincy Ambassadors team from St Peter’s RC High School, Gloucester had the privilege of going on pilgrimage to Harvington Hall on Thursday 10th July.

Harvington Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan manor house in Worcestershire but what makes it truly special is the story the house tells: a story of courage, danger, and deep faith.

During Elizabethan times Catholics were subjected to harsh penal laws. From 1585 it was illegal for a Catholic priest to set foot in England punishable by death. Harvington Hall was a safe house for Catholic priests.

The house is full of “priest hides” — tiny, secret spaces where priests would hide, sometimes for more than a week in dark, cold and cramped conditions to avoid detection when the priest hunters came searching.

There are seven in total: behind a bread oven, fireplaces, under stairs, and behind bookshelves. We were allowed inside one of them — hidden behind a bookcase ingeniously built by St Nicholas Owen — and could see how cramped and uncomfortable it must have been.

Walking through the rooms and looking into the hides, we were struck by the incredible courage and faith of the people who lived and worshipped there in secret. They risked everything to celebrate Mass, to offer the Sacraments, and to keep the light of faith burning in dark times.

As students in a Catholic school, we are lucky. We can speak openly about our beliefs. We can go to Mass. We can walk into a chapel without fear. But visiting Harvington Hall reminded us that this freedom wasn’t always there — and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.

The visit challenged us to think: how do we live out our faith today? Would we stand up for what we believe, even when it’s unpopular or difficult? Would we choose kindness when it’s easier to walk away?

Harvington Hall isn’t just a historic house — it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, bravery, and quiet resilience of the Catholic community in this country.

We felt strengthen in faith and inspired to keep that spirit alive — not in secret rooms, but in our choices, how we live, and how we care for others each day.

May we always journey together as Pilgrims of Hope.

Mary Holbrook
Chaplaincy Ambassador
St Peter’s RC High School, Gloucester

Parish and School Pilgrimages

Find out more about Harvington Hall and how to book Pilgrimages for your Parish or School:

Harvington Hall