THE CHEAM PRIEST HOLE IS CONFIRMED

Two weeks ago on this blog we showed a photo of what we thought was a genuine priest hole in the Red Lion pub at Cheam.     In response Pat M. has sent us a copy of a page from Cheam Councillor Mary Burstow’s website confirming that it is of the right period, that it was certainly used to conceal people wanted by the authorities, and giving examples of Catholics hiding up in Cheam at that time.    She adds an account of the bravery of the Anglican Rector of Cheam during the Commonwealth, when threatened with death by a Cromwellian soldier for using the Book of Common Prayer in the Church.      These fascinating accounts are on her site at www.cheam.mycouncillor.org.uk/2012/05/01/the-red-lion-and-its-priest-hole/
                                                                                                                               Many thanks, Pat.