Heavy Lifting

[@carolinegooder7091]

I worked with a woman, whose husband and brother lived 4 years in a Monastery under the dining room floor. They were teenagers during WWII who would have been killed and the monks protect them. They slept or studied during the day and could come out ar night, to eat and play in the 17th century dining room. The monks sang and prayed loudly to cover the noise. It was in Italy, in the mountains and once in a while they could go outside in monk's robes. So a hidden room for church items, could be used also during the war. 😘😘😘

[@melodygarry9016]

That sounds like the makings of a great movie,

[@girlnorthof60]

An incredible story of resilience and brotherly love... no pun intended.

[@deborahgate965]

So very interesting.

[@spontaneousun]

Thank you for sharing!

[@hollybeeme]

Exactly! There were many examples of this kindness during WWII and places like monasteries and convents were ideal for hiding people. Unsung heroes!

[@brandispry576]

Ryan: What’s the code word to stop? Billy: Stop 😂😂😂😂😂

[@sharonfarris1668]

Thank you Ryan. Hiring an elevator operator was totally hilarious. I really needed that laugh. I'm in Florida in the middle of the hurricane worried about family who will soon be getting blasted by it as it moves across state. Watching you guys to keep my mind off worrying. You are a hoot. 👍🇺🇲

[@melissahalbert9455]

Love watching all of y'all together like old mates who grew up together. lol Ryan seems happy to be home with friends.

[@lyricsdebra]

The first manual elevator was made by Elisha Graves Otis and presented at the Crystal Palace Convention in NY in 1853. The first electric elevator was in Germany in 1880

[@tiffany-sheriwageman.3702]

We had free energy the elite took that from us. Look up mind unveiled on KZbin

[@artslife3876]

My brother was a lift engineer for a company called Otis, in Sweden.

[@girlnorthof60]

Good to learn this. Thanks Deb for sharing this info.

[@Noopyau]

Gee Billy…get the bloody lift fixed! There has to be someone in France that can do the job.

[@stephaniereaburn5267]

I really enjoy waking up here in Australia with my cup of coffee and enjoy watching your videos… yes, and the life of Ryan’s as well. 😁

[@deborahgate965]

I'm Australian and I do the same!

[@sandraisabel898]

Dear Billy You are só young but such a mature person Me and my 69 year old mother watches all your vídeos that i have to translate She says, that all of you are so hardworking people and i agree About the cobbles You should do as YOU want I am never bored with the progress About the beautiful work you did today Why not Paint first and then ,glue the wood black baseboards? It would be easier and maybe faster to Paint the Walls Wish you the best And so Nice of you to help other people with their Vlogs Love from Portugal( forgive my english)

[@FngrsXd-n25]

Always a treat with you all!! Ryan is a total Riot!! Im sure you all have a blast together while working on that beautiful building. And Rick is such a great sport helping you out. That lift will surely come in handy when you get it fixed. Soon I hope. Take care Billy and sending all of you many blessings too.

[@LisaSandlerMSW]

Billy and Ryan - so good to see you back together! Thinking about the secret room, I wonder if you connect with a Holocaust society or museum, they might have records from survivors. There might be a record of a family or people passing through the convent. Suggest starting with Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

[@corenacrawford9545]

I think Ryan just offered to be the manual lift operator. Lol. Thank you Ryan. 😂😂❤

[@chappellroseholt5740]

Ryan is the Eric Idle of the convent! Very fun and interesting videos. Love them.

[@candywilliams3533]

Or John Cleese 😃

[@kathyhembyhewett6109]

The shot of the pigeon was so amazing. Very Stanley Kubrick! And your music was perfect as always. 5 Stars, Billy.

[@RADIO-FREE-AMERICA]

Billy, just call ☎️ the company that last serviced the lift, and get them to come out and give you an estimate to get it running, and the recertification of it! The service company name should be on the last certification certificate posted in the lift! If they are no longer in business, any building in the local village, with a lift, would know a company to call! Cheers! You might ask the local diocese, if they know of anyone still living, whom could relate some historical uses of the convent, during the war!

[@alaskanwolfmom7196]

I think it's wonderful what you're doing. Just amazing history you're finding out that was lost or almost lost forever. Stay steady my friend and all will be revealed.

[@kayneal4872]

It makes more sense to be a hiding place....for people.

[@michaeljhirz]

Ryan adds a bit of a Monty Python to the episodes

[@girlnorthof60]

Some historical mysteries are good for people to ponder when they visit... leaving it up to visitors' imaginations is something money can't buy and *part* of what makes your property unique. ❤

[@littleone7404]

Not only do I enjoy a beautiful restoration but I get the privilege of learning history as well thank you to all

[@MariaM-yn9tl]

Great video Billy. The secret room oh my. I would pull the shelves out gently & have full light on the secret room to be able to search all the walls. Possibly letters or scratching on the wall with secret messages will be visible. Lots of hidden secret treasures could be found. Good luck 🍀 Mariaknits27

[@timothymoore2672]

Billy another fine gem for the ages in the vlog books. Thanks to you all, until tomorrow.

[@Randy8923]

The hidden room is intriguing, I'm thinking definitely to hide valuables belonging to the convent but perhaps also used during occupied time during the war to hide people then again for valuables after. The lift definitely was a back saver .Enjoyed.

[@lunalouhoo]

I agree with Ryan...the lift was like "magic".

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I wouldn't mind living in a multi-level house if I had a lift. Otherwise, it is single level living for me! Thank you for the video! It was epic watching the lift going up!

[@amyh4133]

The red button on top of the elevator (on top on a silver or white looking box) towards the left is your E-stop or reset button. Try pushing that to see if that works. If you get it running, you could use it for moving other items, but you should still get it serviced before letting people ride on it.

[@louisl.8724]

Billy check on top of the lift for a reset button or blown fuse. When you were lifting it up with the washer, I saw a couple of red buttons and switches on top of it! Also there is some door limit switches that might be out of place. Measure the outer room, the hidden room, the room on the other side of the hidden room, then measure the hallway from door to door of the two rooms, to see if there is any different if of measurements. You can also check from hallway to outer wall of the convent inside the hidden room also that way.

[@1SCme]

Good point - I would suggest grabbing a pen, pad, and tape measure and doing for every wall in the convent, there might be a hidden room, fantastic fireplace, stone relief, stairwell, etc.

[@lindabryant4292]

There were also some manuals on the top of the lift carriage itself. They could be helpful too.

[@celestesullivan5931]

P

[@mavep2855]

Brains over brawn-wins every time. The mystery of the hidden cupboard remains a deep dark secret. Great daily, thanks Billy🙏🏻❤️

[@eileenworth7862]

There is a chance the cupboard was where they hid male Jewish infants who were too young (probably being breastfed) to send on the Kindertransport. The picture of the Holy Family there to protect them. The outer shelves probably held linens to further muffle babies' cries.

[@anabelavandenheuvel480]

Yes I also believe this. The French helped to hide a lot of Jewish people

[@chalkncheeseneeds723]

You are right about the linen shelves being used to muffle sound would have been so scary for the nuns

[@MrsPink64]

I think the same thing, hiding the Jews 😢❤

[@nativestand1]

We love people helping and saving people. Human hearts with best expression is real.

[@sarahfox3312]

I felt the same… the fact that there had been attempts to make it more homely with wallpaper suggests people may have spent periods of time in there. It made me feel a bit queasy

[@cheriesharp234]

It amazes me Billy how you know how to do these things. Xx well done. Xxx

[@janetdoten4489]

Love exploring with you, keep us posted on everything you can film. So much history! Thanks for sharing

[@monalingan9523]

Loving these Dailies Billy. Thank you.

[@cliverw53]

With regards to the lift, there should be another handle. It fits on the nut in the centre of the flywheel and a pin goes in the hole on its outer edge. Makes turning it a lot easier both ways.

[@peterwhite9261]

That little room is very intriguing. Lots of great suggestions and advice here from others. Glad the elevator worked.

[@theShamrockShepherdWagon]

Consider that there are cheerful wallpapers and prints tacked up. Definitely meant to cheer someone hiding in the secret room.

[@janegendreau484]

@Sue Moore Absolutely agree!!! 🇺🇲

[@katharinatrub1338]

this is what I thought to, to cheer up the persons standing inside.

[@ann-mariemeyers9978]

That would be something my great aunt Sister Centina might have done. She was a great one for small comforts.

[@Jane-3229]

Forgot to say yesterday…… crack on with the cobbles! It won’t be boring at all. Save the indoor jobs for when winter comes x

[@shirleyneylon1849]

Sometimes I think Ryan's rattle is just verbal rattle. Love your work Billy.

[@lynneh9744]

I think you are definately right Billy ie a hiding place; When you first showed the secret room, some months ago, I thought one of the posters or pictures on the wall had German writing on it. ( or it may have been elsewhere in the attic?) So at the time, I wondered whether it was a hiding place for persons trying to escape religious persecution or during holocaust. Maybe even before the 2 world wars? Interesting if the wording is German. it does seem to me that the pieces of wallpaper and the pictures, show that an attempt was made to give a feeling of comfort and homeliness for anyone stuck in there for any length of time, before being able to safely be moved on. I would think local history groups would know if the convent hid people, or could put you in touch with older residents who may know, also any priests or nuns in area may know. Not sure it would be on church records, but if they did hide people, it would most likely be known locally.

[@natashajp9226]

Suspenders guy is great! You all seems so humble and funny! Amazing work Billy! 💙

[@Raggdoll52]

While watching this episode, I observed a control box on top of the lift, which is used by a technician to control the movement of the lift during service. There is a red power switch that is similar to those found on cherry pickers and other types of lifts used during this project. If the issue is power, then this could be the potential problem. The motor turns freely which is a good thing. Unless the motor is burned up or the breaking solenoids are bad, this should be an easy fix. Would love to know more.

[@mannyortiz4814]

Billy my darling. How lucky to have the elevator. No more having to struggle with the stairs. I think the secret room was for hiding people. See ya tomorrow. Take care and stay safe 🌹🇺🇸🌈🎈😇🌞🕊❤️👍🙏🍺

[@Amelia-ce3ge]

"Whats the code word to stop?" "Stop" "Ah gotchya" That had me laughing so hard 🤣

[@julieattard7098]

O.m.dayz.. Ryan.. Just Gold , Comedy Gold. Completes the team 🥰

[@sarahburton3110]

You’re an inspiration to many young men Billy. Love this channel and can’t wait to follow your amazing journey.

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

That’s one mighty useful lift even without power! The hidden closet is a conundrum and likely historically relevant! 😊❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶👏👏👏🇨🇦🇫🇷

[@machinist5828]

It looked as if there was a hole drilled in the face of the flywheel to insert a handle and crank it. If not that might be a tidy modification that could be easily filled if it became an issue. I have been in two large industrial buildings that had hand operated lifts one was big enough to to put half a Trumph Spitfire (don't ask) in at a time and just pull on the rope. The other was big enough for a truck the size of Billy's. We used it to get our skid steer loader onto the 4th floor of an abandoned factory we were tearing down and salvaging. It had a motor but we fit a rope to the flywheel as there hadn't been any power in the building for 20 plus years. It took a while but it got the job done. It was one of the last things we removed from the building and all of us hesitated. After sitting for all those years it performed flawlessly. It was salvaged in it's entirety and was to be re-installed elsewhere. They put those scraps of wallpaper up so that light would not shine through and the room discovered. It could have been used to hide art or other valuables from the Nazis during WW2. Cheers Terry from South Carolina USA

[@melindalewingellis1923]

Billy it’s good to see Ryan. You guy’s brocante trips were always fun to watch. Ryan films the brocante so we can look around with you. It’s fun.

[@LeslieNikulka]

Now that was cool! Well done, fellas!

[@sallycarpenter1584]

Thanks Billy,made moving the washing machine a lot easier,may be worth getting the lift serviced and be able to use it properly. Could you get in touch with any war assoc iations that may have references to the 2nd world war and places of safety/refuge,or get some one who is interested to research it for you,to find out if the secret room was used for sheltering .xx

[@janetrutherford8568]

So fantastic you never cease to amazed me with your ideas brilliant xx.

[@CarolStJohn-oz3oc]

What a fun character Ryan is! Subcribed to his channel too. Love that you guys are back together. Nothing is better than best friends!

[@annbarns652]

wow this place amazes me so many things you have discovered in the convent and other areas

[@bethbleas8378]

Billy, when you feel ready...have a news station or paper and / or online news do a story about you obtaining the convent (possibly use the postcards as clues) to ask the public for information and old stories! I would love to research but don't have enough to start. How about tshirts for the workers to get conversations started! In America we have places that the vetrens of the ears who get together...they would be rich in stories about the history.Although most have passed,their families would have heard stories. The previous owners must have info!

[@hopegrable]

Not sure if it's even possible, but could you contact a local church and ask if you could request to see any communications from the convent during the war, or anything that could shed more light on the history of the convent? Maybe a church historian could come for a visit and do a tour of the place, and hopefully offer clues about the statues that were in the chapel, or what the sisters did at the convent. What sort of community services did they provide? Good luck with your investigations, Billy. 💖💗💝

[@AngelaGWillis]

I was also thinking about other Catholic churches in the area. Surely they networked with one another and possibly kept records.

[@karinbergman1646]

Or the local Marie might have information also--

[@eileenworth7862]

Maybe in the aftermath of the war, some testimonies were sent to the diocese.

[@hopegrable]

@@eileenworth7862 Can you imagine what a treasure it would be to find any journals kept by the nuns or the mother superior?

[@eileenworth7862]

@@hopegrable The Nazis probably suspected churches, cloisters and put heavy pressure on them. I doubt they would risk it.

[@janeblandford852]

That was a brilliant idea to use the elevator Billy.....that saved a lot of back aches, etc. So much safer!! Getting there.....

[@irenebrown3144]

I love Ryan being back his humor is good.❤😅

[@scottburbridge3170]

the black skirting is beautiful.

[@rickmyers2657]

Awesome Billy. Crack on mate!

[@hello15848]

Ryan's face when you said you got a circular shaft, has me dying over here. 🤣

[@tammiewilson5185]

Me too, 😄

[@juliezainal5919]

Hi what a clever idea!!!! I am loving the new content! Its nice to be able to work with such great friends!!! Greetings from DUBAI!!!!!!!!

[@loraoflahrity130]

My late mother pondered why cans, plates, and drinking glasses were all round yet refrigerator's and kitchen cabinets square?

[@jayt9882]

I was wondering if it could be as simple as a fuse... can always hope! Has anyone suggested you contact Kris Harbour who has a YT channel? No idea at all if he'd be able to offer advice, but before his current life (off-grid in Wales) he installed lifts in the London area. He's the sort of problem-solving engineering/inventing type of guy that turns his hand to all sorts of amazing work. Might be worth a shout out to him if only for ideas.

[@LaPrincessa1947]

Enjoyed watching this demonstration of how hydraulics work...especially with the three of you making it entertaining!

[@jilliedillie]

It’s great fun to see you two together again!

[@donnalewis4895]

Ingenious!! Now you guys are working with your heads! Nice to see the teamwork. Crack on Guys hugs

[@mariaarcher5280]

Thanks for sharing you are so smart to figure out that lift will work just smart of you to think of it and I wanted to let you know I love your daily blogs and I want to thank you for doing them cuz I'm sure they're not easy everyday thank you from Texas Gulf Coast

[@icuinthelight]

Billy! If you look at the side of the yellow wheel your turning, there is a small round hole on the outer edge lip, is it possible to put a small metal rod into it to give you a handle to use to spin the wheel? Maybe it is already threaded and there might be the handle laying near by?

[@bioyac]

Billy - what is on either side of the secret room? The shelves span the width of the room, but the secret room itself is quite narrow. What takes up the rest of the space?

[@suehall3298]

Lift definitely beats the stairs.👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐😂 Love Sue. ❤❤❤🇬🇧❤❤❤

[@Julia-zj2ch]

Your thought that the nuns were keeping people safe during the war makes a lot of sense. I wonder if the pieces of wall paper came from the homes of those being hidden. What a brilliant use of the lift!

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

I think that the wallpaper and picture of the Holy Family indicate that the hidden cupboard was for people...Thank you for another great video!

[@toomuchgarden6898]

I think the hidden room was an archive room where the most valuable of the convenient possessions were stored. Not just from natzi occupiers but from would be robbers. The wallpaper samples intrigue me because it suggests someone in the past wanted to preserve them for future generations. Maybe this room once held the convenient historical documents as well.

[@peggyrobin5215]

When you opened the cupboard door in the secret room, it looked like the shelves could be stairs and I wondered if you had tried lifting the ceiling boards in there at the top of the cupboard. ALSO, would the electrician doing the fabulous lighting at the convent be able to figure out how to make the lift operate?

[@timempson]

Billy there must be old villagers in the town that might throw some light on things that happend there during WW2, Or some records at your local hotel , all very I interesting Billy hope you find out somthing love and peace timmy

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

The mystery of the cupboard is very intriguing and I believe there could be more to discover about that space. I don’t think the washing machine could have made it upstairs without the lift. Good job to all. xx

[@mikegorman8558]

When you were winding the lift up manually using the yellow flywheel, I noticed a possible hole in the rim of the flywheel that might take a handle. If this is actually the case, it would make manual winding a lot easier.

[@GRB0517]

Do a GoFundMe for your lift Billy! I hope you get It fixed soon. I thought the statue was Saint Ann with the book. Idk though. Welcome back Ryan! And I loved the pigeon at the beginning. Nice touch.

[@GrandmaLM]

Love the hidden room

[@ayeshadequeiroz4857]

Oh! Yes, from war time! That’s my guess. Hiding agents of the French resistance. Wouldn’t that be an exciting story.

[@skyjammer]

Well, if the hidden room was used to hide people during the War, then those scraps of wallpaper inside would do a great job of blocking any light from candles or sound from the occupants

[@terrileyda5346]

Your Dailey is my first stop on KZbin every day!

[@jantrewitt4058]

A job well done! Crack on, Billy!

[@BT-jt1bb]

“The Dailies” are a good idea…i like them…keep it up 👍👏👏😁😁

[@terrileyda5346]

I do hope you’re able to solve the hidden room mystery! It’s truly a treasure and it’s story must be out there somewhere. Best of luck finding the true story!

[@stiane1062]

The only thing preventing you from using the lift is a break in the safety circuit. Could be a switch in one of the doors, or a stop button that is engaged. If you’re able to close the circuit, the lift will run normal again.

[@paige37914]

Yes, first round elevator is in The Cooper Union in NYC -- really cool elevator and interesting history!

[@lindabryant4292]

Lol, I did not think Ryan was going to fit in the secret room. So tall!!! 🧡

[@donnabaker6252]

I would suggest getting in touch with the Order and see if they have any pictures of the Chapel.

[@chrisdavis2040]

So brilliant using the lift manually. Love the secret room, must have been to hide in during the war

[@janstevens8120]

Good work you guys…..very “uplifting” to watch all of your progress. 😁

[@raytalbot5890]

What are your plans for the room next to the chapel that has the colourful panels?? 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Buck1954]

I've moved a lot of washing machines, sofas, and a few pianos up the stairs. It's great commradery with buds. But last time, we had to lift a piano straight up a stair well with about 20 men. They came to me afterwards and told me no more pianos.

[@ricasears5910]

Just got to love Billy's innuendos, very funny, made me giggle.

[@katiesoderling3596]

Ha ha yes, I thought, “When the boys get together…” 😂

[@karladenton5034]

I was hoping that the 'lifting' was getting the thing back in service. I have ridden in an antique elevator with the 'operator' and the doors that expand and fold back in a lattice arrangement (vs a modern one with solid doors) that's in the state capitol building here in Kansas. Good luck with finding someone who can repair/service it.

[@conniecashion6901]

awesome video like the rest i was in suspense did not want it to stop

[@AnnaEmert]

You guys rock! Thanks for sharing.

[@melissalacycliff5582]

So Love the interaction between your group of Friends!

[@tomfrank9447]

A small correction for Ryan: the first elevators already existed in ancient Rome, namely in the Coliseum. There gladiators and animals were transported from one level to the other with a lifting device, which is equivalent to an elevator. The first modern elevator with a safety brake was built in a department store in New York in 1857 installed and still had a steam engine that drove it. It was invented in 1852 by Elsiha Otis... but apparently nobody trusted this devil's work at the time and it took a while until someone who wanted such a devil's stuff was found.

[@davidhyman4541]

While holding the Brake open, use a drill to turn the motor in speeding up the lift going up and down.

[@helenstella2666]

Job advert … “Strong person needed for live in position in a lovely old convent. Irregular hours but you’ll be very much appreciated, known worldwide & the work is very uplifting” 😉😆

[@jeanbobolts3877]

The OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY can trace its origins to 1853, when Elisha Graves Otis introduced the first safety passenger elevator at the Crystal Palace Convention in New York City. His invention impressed spectators at the convention, and the first passenger elevator was installed in New York City in 1856. Founders: Elisha Otis

[@ayeshadequeiroz4857]

So many laughs for this episode. Great team work!