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THE SUPPOSED PRIESTS' HIDING PLACES, AT GOLDEN, 



PROBUS. 



By H. MICHEJI^Iv WHITLEY, F.G.S., Hon. Member Royal Institution of Cornwall 

 Hon. Secretary Sussex Archaeological Society. 



The old mansion of Golden, in the parish of Probus, possesses 

 a curious interest in the singular cells which are hidden by a 

 belt of evergreens on the lawn ; and which tradition states were 

 used as hiding places for Eoman Catholic Priests during the 

 sixteenth century. 



So singular are these cells, that I am induced to send for 

 publication in our Journal a plan and sketches of the same, 

 made by my kinsman the late Mr. Walter H. Tregellas. As far as 

 I know, the structure is almost unique. 



The buildings which, as I have before stated, stand on the 

 lawn, consist of two domed cells connected by a wall now about 

 6 feet high. 



The westernmost of these subterranean chambers is about 

 seven feet in diameter, and 6 feet 6 inches high, and the spring 

 of the dome is level with the external ground line, whilst the 

 easternmost cell is practically of similar dimensions. 



Tradition has fixed the name of " The Dungeon " on the 

 former, and asserts that Cuthbert Mayne was here concealed. 



It is approached by a flight of steps, with hinges for a 

 strong door still remaining, it is lit by a curious hidden window, 

 and there is also a recess or cupboard in the thickness of the 

 wall opposite the entrance. 



The easternmost chamber is known as "the oven," and 

 there is a hole or flue leading from it to the air above as shewn 

 on the plan. Tradition states that in this oven the protestants 

 were roasted, and a house now used as a labourer's cottage close 

 by, bears the name of the " slaughter-house," where it is 

 supposed the cattle were killed for the priests' dinner. 



It is also asserted that an underground passage leads from 

 " The Dungeon " to Probus Church, this statement is constantly 

 met with, and simply refers to the large drains of medieevaj 



