The Crypt Below The Chapel

[@lorrainel2314]

Thoughts on pulling down that modern extension? Would love to see the original wall and (presumably) steps to the crypt. The Convent is slowly revealing its secrets 🥰

[@carolwhite6979]

I think your idea of opening the convent garden to the village is really great! ?what a marvellous opportunity to both actively support the community and celebrate the renewal of life in the convent. You could likely start that very early on by contacting the local horticultural society and garden centres, and establishing a trust to help raise funds for the project and a volunteer base of local gardeners to run it...... ❤️❤️❤️

[@lorrainewhitlock5377]

It's nice to see a respectful and honorable man that will do the right thing. God bless you Billy 🙏🕊️

[@charlenelindsay2019]

Dear Billy, most interesting... the search beneath the Chapel. Your idea to open the garden area for the community is wonderful. I'm sure they are curious. Helping someone to feel apart of something is always a win. Hugs💞

[@dragonfly9851]

Great idea.. I don't know if they have these in France but we have garden clubs here in the USA. If you do I would contact them for help they may help with clearing and identifying plants and trees in the garden. This could be considered a historical garden. I'm sure the town would have volunteers who want to help. The gardens would be another feature for the town.

[@dudeorduuude5211]

I have a feeling the Europeans invented the idea of garden clubs. Lovely idea, I'll bet some seniors and others would love a garden to maintain.

[@The_Robert.Fletcher]

What a great idea. also after the chapel is renovated leave the doors open for people just to sit in the quiet and reflect.

[@myriammoquin2684]

I certainly would volunteer!!

[@deebee533]

I would check with your insurance company for liability issues. people get hurt on your property, they can sue you....at least in state I live in, USA.

[@dudeorduuude5211]

@@deebee533 you need to watch the tiktok series about Americans learning things when they are abroad. Most places don't think like nor are a sue happy as you and your country.

[@gaylehajek2730]

A chapel, priest hole, garden shrine, stations of the cross and now possibly a crypt!! That convent is truly a treasure. Many Thanks to you and Gwen for restoring and preserving it. If the garden could be opened up for use by others , especially the stations of the cross That would be an amazing gift to your town.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I think the nuns would be proud how you are bringing life back to the convent. I wonder if any are still around. Be wonderful to give them a tour and film their impression and get their story about life there. I bet you could get the town to assist in searching for one or a couple. Something like that is great for public relations, news stories and tourism.

[@LW62FL]

Great idea!!

[@louisecallahan130]

Just going to share this idea - love your convent and wouldn’t it be wonderful to see creative activities within her walls again. The nun cells would be excellent creator/maker/artist/writer suites: one room to sleep and one room to create in. Some rooms would have private ensuites while the majority would share communal facilities. This reduces your renovation costs and by offering the suites for 1 to 3 month terms you have stability and people around. Look into pay as you use utilities so that what the renter uses they pay for and now is the time to think about those costs - contain the water/heat/electricity within each suite with cold season failsafes. You could offer subsidies to volunteers and those committed to performing certain requirements, like locking up at night. The garden idea is sound, volunteers staying could also grow food and you could offer a seasonal market. I would love going to this kind of place because I offer creative workshops and there’s plenty of room to accommodate a range of creative needs. Maker space with awesome perks. Thanks for taking me along for the ride I haven’t been this excited since I designed and built our dream home. Love from Nova Scotia ❤

[@thepenelopejones]

Your *patience* Billy ~ I'd be itching to open up or pop a hole in without any knowledge🤭😂 - just to satisfy my curiosity! But thankfully you are at the helm and have first wisely secured the necessary information to what may or may not lie below the chapel. Such excitement - can't wait for further discoveries , thank you. PS: your plan for the gardens sounds wonderful. I am sure you will have a 200%+ positive response from your town.

[@helceon]

Yes! I just want to rip down that extension 😅

[@thepenelopejones]

@@helceon 😁😂🤣Shall we kristin - let's at it >>🤭

[@watermelon2223]

He doesn’t open it because he knows he can make another video and make more money from it, why have one video about a crypt when you can have two?

[@paulnelsonisnotabot]

@@watermelon2223 more like 10 if you look at the past videos 🙄

[@watermelon2223]

@@paulnelsonisnotabot it’s ridiculous how he does it but I must respect him for figuring out his fans, they’ll click on anything regardless if it’s new content about the project

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Love the idea of opening the garden, and having a volunteer garden group to refresh and maintain it, with hopefully many areas turned over to wildflowers, bramble, ivy etc to attract as many insects and therefore other wildlife on up the food chain. Adding a pond or two would bring even more interest and a wider range of wild visitors. The banks of cyclamen hederifolium you already have look amazing. A favourite of mine in the early autumn garden. You may well find in spring there are lots of bulbs and plants popping up so you need to give it a year to just see what you have, and mark what to keep/move etc. Can't wait to see it!

[@winby7]

Yes that garden will continue to surprise you. The gifts of the garden should be shared with the local community. Surely there are many residents who can share more history with.

[@nonine5304]

Please let the chapel remain... a forever Chapel

[@BettySusanne]

I like your idea of opening the garden. I’m sure you could also have a group of volunteers that do most of the gardening/maintaining for you.

[@watermelon2223]

Volunteers? Who else apart from retirees would do that. Be honest

[@FRANKLIN-vu1vn]

Open the garden up to the community for a small monthly fee. let people have there own little plot where they can grow there own things build it and they will come 😀

[@jennifercampbell7698]

Yes open the garden up to volunteers. We have a volunteer group where I live that look after the public reserves, lakes and walking trails. It’s an eco community using animal, bird and aquatic safe pesticides. We have about 35 volunteers after only 18 months. They meet weekly to plant, prune, weed and mulch. It is a social group as well. We also have a community fruit forest, are planning a community vegetable garden and have a pétanque court. I can imagine retirees and families being involved. It would be a great community project for the village. I suggest some plan to work to and perhaps a community shelter to gather and socialise together with storage for equipment. Great idea and I’m sure the local community would love it. From small things, great things grow!

[@lindabattles9094]

We have gardens like that here in Northern CA. People rent a little plot for growing vegetables or flowers…or just a lovely place for a bench to sit and enjoy nature.

[@DemelzaBoing]

@@watermelon2223 People who love nature I guess..xx

[@jfs59nj]

I love the idea of a public garden. Perhaps there’s a local/regional horticultural society to help. It appears to be a thicket at present. You’ve done a Herculean job with the pathways!

[@barbaradetmer9927]

I would imagine there are a person or two who remember how the garden looked

[@felicagriswold7276]

I would LOVE to have a garden that one could stroll around, sit and read or draw. It is a beautiful garden and restored it would be heavenly. How fun for the elderly to be able to enjoy it. WONDERFUL idea!!!

[@russellmarra8520]

Felica Griswold - the elderly and everyone else.

[@annewilson8783]

Gardens take work, funds and planning.

[@cherylgoff8955]

Watching the first 2 minutes and 26 seconds of clearing away the path was incredibly therapeutic for me today. Thank you very much!

[@marytaylor9185]

Many Seniors would love to putter in the garden, even if it's simply pulling weeds. Many move into retirement homes and miss their gardens. I would if I could be there! What you are getting accomplished even if it's little by little, it is absolutely wonderful. Keep crackin' on! ❤ Love from Canada.........that Atlantic Ocean is in my way, darn it!

[@rocsund]

Hi Billy, you can also have a once a month flea market event in your property, where locals can sell and a great gathering event

[@sarahb2652]

Can you do some drone footage of the garden now you have cleared it a bit so we can get an idea of the space now please? 😊Keep up the amazing work. Thanks for sharing it all.

[@dougdobbs]

I am continually pleased with the respect you show this property, and by extension the people who built and used it for so long.. I say this as a very strong Protestant, but also a very committed historian. :)

[@kerra3699]

You could open the old veg garden to the locals to grow some veg. It could make a world of difference to some people in these difficult times.

[@doriskovalcik442]

The more you clear out and open up the more beautiful it is. And yes, the open gardens are a good idea if people will respect them.

[@milkweeddreams8828]

So many mysteries...but what a great idea for the gardens, I for one would love to wander around discovering plantings and helping weed with a group of dedicated restoration gardeners, what fun...giving back...!

[@billgreen1861]

Billy, you live a very interesting life !!! There's nothing like this in my life, 👋😇👍. Only today I come to notice, how boring being me is. Thanks for entertaining us. 👏👏

[@legendsofabhaile]

It amazes me that some people are fortunate enough to have this be life, but brother you deserve it! Love the videos

[@jeanburgin160]

Amazing how nature takes back when not attended. So glad you all are restoring this lovely place and it will have renewed life. I love how neatly the paths and walkways were laid out. I think that will be a great idea to open the gardens. People could help and enjoy the fruits/berries that might be there. Lovely idea Billy.

[@francescatappi3241]

Opening up the garden to the public is a great idea! If you create an association maybe you could have vegetable plots that people could rent for free and care/harvest their own veggies. There could be a section dedicated to native plants that volunteers care for. So many possibilities!

[@elisabethhopson5639]

Billy your idea of opening the garden to the locals is a great idea. I am sure the local mayor can help you find the right people to help you with this project. A garden for private contemplation and reflection would probably help a lot of people these days. Maybe even get the schoolchildren in for bulb planting etc. You are so kindhearted.🥰💚

[@melinayorke7462]

I love the idea of making it a public park in an association for its renewal and upkeep. With community access and support it could become the jewel in the heart of the town it once was, now for everyone to enjoy. It’s a smart and community minded thing to do👍👍🌞🌸

[@jonathanleonard1152]

The deceased never rest. The good are with God. The bad are still searching for how they went wrong. The body is just dust.

[@IO-zz2xy]

Freaking awesome idea about opening the gardens. Wow, what a stroke of brilliance there Billy. You might get lots of increadable garden people only too willing to give their time to renovate and restore it. You just need a really good landscaper to oversee and direct the work. It will be an almost instantaneous revitalization.

[@ruthdice2154]

Wow, on the possible crypt. What a lovely idea for the garden, I think the former residents of the convent would be pleased, to open it to the public. You are bringing life back to this old place.

[@bluntmaster2000]

Hey I think sharing the garden is a great idea. In my town there are a number of shared gardens where you can apply for a garden plot to grow whatever you would like. I think that would be a really interesting use of the space.

[@shewhispers45]

How wonderful that could be if somehow residents from the retirement home could somehow be involved with the garden. I’m sure many would love to get their hands in the soil, plant and help maintain the garden. Opening the garden to the public is so selfless and inspiring. Perhaps local schools would love to volunteer students that are interested in horticulture or need to volunteer for a certain class.

[@margarethouston8998]

Have a “ hold harmless “ statement posted, if enter the grounds , not responsible for injury or accident. Then have liability insurance! Great idea to share. So thoughtful.

[@Lilly-iy3ob]

And the mystery goes on..... The gardens are lovely, what a great idea for the locals to enjoy.

[@CQuinnLady]

You could put a donation box at the garden entrance. The funds of course will help in the maintenance of the gardens. Maybe also look at a horticultural school or an agriculture school for volunteers... its amazing watching it all come back to life.

[@carolpower9485]

Definitely an open garden. With little fairy houses and magical things for kids. It would be fantastic. We have lots of fairy houses and fairy doors on trees in our local woods. It's brilliant

[@LouShadow-pj9ug]

Yes! And donate what the grounds produce to those that really need it.

[@GizliBiraz]

3:42 - I would LOVE to see an updated satellite image after all your work! Also, I love the idea of opening it to the public for just a community area where folks can come see nature, walk their dogs, etc. Great idea! 8:31 - Yes, you MUST be respectful, and I am thrilled that you take that tack; however, you also MUST know what's down there. It is incredibly important from a historic standpoint, and frankly, the curiosity is killing me! I do so hope one of the upcoming videos will explore this further!

[@stinki97128]

As I watched u clearing the garden path I was thinking - it would lovely if the trees were pruned nicely, pull out the overgrown “bushes” and plant lovely gardens for people to enjoy. Ur right on point there Billy

[@rebeccacaron8982]

Love your ideas about using the garden as a public space….great way to involve the local community

[@dianeb5380]

In America, there's usually a Garden Club in a community. Sometimes locally created and sometimes part of a National Garden Club association. Usually made up of local garden enthusiasts who have a desire to make their community more beautiful. Often lots of retired folks involved but certainly not exclusively. I think you are on the right track. Buildings and gardens need people roaming to stay alive and healthy.

[@jomo9862]

He is so sweet. I just love him.

[@stephaniegaromon3244]

A walk along the garden paths is a lovely contribution to the local village. The convent still is holding secrets but I like how you understand the necessity to respect the deceased and let them Rest In Peace. You confirm for me everyday how you were the right person to purchase the convent and chateau. xx

[@rossiej100]

I think making a large portion of the garden a community garden would be wonderful. Some areas could have seating and tables for outdoor picnics, if there are good vantage points they could be great areas for artists to paint or sketch. A great space for a community craft or food market day, outdoor weddings, devonshire teas and on and on.

[@crystalwhite5135]

Billy I love your thoughtfulness both for the living and the deceased 💗

[@chalkncheeseneeds723]

The friends of the hotel dieu, bring in local people to help maintain the garden and establish new plants and have bee hives to make honey to sell. With the chapel ,ask at universities if they have a conservation programme and ask if they would like to come and conserve the chapel as part of there course

[@chappellroseholt5740]

Billy, I think that is a wonderful idea to create a community garden space. I bet there are locals who would delight in participating as well as simply enjoying it. Add some benches and contemplative areas, maybe some lovely statuary, bird baths? Good for you!

[@johnwilliamtuckey2796]

A reflection garden; they can come in say the stations of the cross. Wonderful idea! Under the chapel would be what they call an undercroft. Love you guy's! ❤

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Love the idea of a community garden and park. Fruit trees & fruit bushes would go well with vegetable gardens as well as flower gardens. Nothing like eating something you just picked from your garden. I agree with letting the deceased rest. Thanks for sharing 😍😘

[@Wendy-oo7ng]

The convent is full of so many secrets and surprises! I am looking forward to seeing your future discoveries. Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you!😃

[@kra1566]

We have similar buildings in our city, two villas that belonged to a wealthy family and are now owned by the city. One mansion was used as a public library for a long time and the other one offers evening schools for music and art. In December, the park around it is used for the Christmas market, as are the villas and it is absolutely magical.

[@lisaoreilly235]

What a wonderful idea I bet you would have lots of volunteers. Some people don't have the space so they would love to get there hands on it. And to see lots of family's coming together it could be the village secret garden 🥰

[@Ex-patKiwi]

I thought the same thing as I watching this, what a great public service.

[@bonnievsoske3168]

I love your work ethic. A garden for the community would be lovely, and would create opportunities for people to socialize. Brilliant idea!

[@christinebrown2765]

This project has countless possibilities to explore. Agree with other comments Billy, a great idea to open the garden to volunteers, the community and visitors to the town. The exploration and revelations of this project are fascinating. The skills and effort you are applying to all the projects are top class.

[@Rebelmusedesign]

Love the garden idea. And totally fascinated by the crypt below the chapel. Wow! 🖤

[@kathysalkeldbonilla6541]

What a wonderful ongoing project! Opening the gardens to the public would be a way of maintaining the gardens with volunteers and giving back to the community!

[@StMyles]

Thanks! Oooooooo….. a hidden archeological find… This channel get more suspenseful with each posting. 👍🏼

[@freyallarganswald4746]

The gardens are going to look stunning when they are cleared and maintained. The guys have done a great job. It’s a great idea to let the community use the convent garden. It will be good for the town and the garden. Had you thought about using an area of the garden for community allotments? people could hire an allotment to grow their own fruit, veg etc? Any surplus e could be sold locally Or perhaps use an area for a community cooperative where volunteers can grow food or plants etc that can be sold Locally. Either option would bring in some income that can be used to maintain the gardens. I’m sure all the numerous possibilities have run through your mind already 💕🤗

[@gerriosbornford4857]

Opening the gardens is a great idea. I've been watching your videos for a while now I get lots of ideas on repairing stuff. I love your videos

[@Pete-nl8ok]

I love the open to the public garden idea. In addition, I wouldn't mind seeing the crypt...as long as you are leading!

[@nomebear]

Depending upon the age of the structure, the Catholic church crypts can hold an interesting population, some may have perished from various plagues. Visiting one in Velvary, Czechia I was amazed at how many caskets there were, hastily piled up during a plague.

[@angelaj8958]

wow, I would want it well aired before I set foot in it. I am a bit curious why this one was sealed off permanently.

[@peggyhemenger8983]

Definitely a wonderful idea to open the garden to the public. So thankful too for your respectful approach and attitude toward this massive project.

[@faithlesshound5621]

@@angelaj8958In England, they stopped burying people under the floors or in the crypts of the majority of churches and chapels in the 19th century. Some of them had become full. It came to be seen as unhygienic. The nuns here obviously stopped doing that at some point and had the crypt sealed. I'm not a great believer in opening crypts and removing old skeletons and even bodies to museums for examination. They might need approval from local or national government to do that.

[@lotusdolphin]

Excellent idea to opening the garden to the community! Great way to give back. Interesting theory about the crypt. Can’t wait to see that one open. Thank you Billy

[@christineh5790]

I’m sad to know there’s no more paths to clear, I loved watching the paths and edges take shape. The man power used in the clearing has been amazing Billy and what a difference it has made from day one! Well done you!!

[@nancymcgee4776]

Yep Billy you definitely found a go big or go home project and I'm here for it! But, we gotta find that crypt! Thank you Billy! 🥂

[@coreyshaw3701]

I would love to see into that crypt. You can be respectful and share their stories that they have to tell at the same time. What a piece of history that is. I love these dailies! The amount of stories that whole building has to tell would take a life time to hear. It is wonderful what you are doing by breathing life into such a beautiful and historic building.

[@JasonMistretta-wf5ip]

1:30. The uncovering of that walkway is incredible to see. Seeing the curb on the left and then the stone walkway is a cool revelation to the Chateau's past common grounds.

[@judyburrows1289]

I love the idea of a public garden. So many towns have lost their green space and this would be a great addition of the community

[@msilas5577]

Walking through the gardens sounds lovely… a few seats would be nice

[@cathybroughton66]

Opening the garden to the public is an awesome idea.

[@tinathene]

Yay!!! Pathways cleared and an intention to open the garden to the public: best feng Shui for the place🎉🎉 blocked off and stagnant no more!❤

[@carlacowling1789]

What a wonderful idea to open the garden! YES! Let people come enjoy the nature and even help to renovate it and maintain it.

[@devisionhun]

Love the progress in the garden!! It’s going to be sooooo lovely when it’s cleaned up and growing nicely again 😍

[@kforest2745]

That is wonderful I agree gardens are satisfying beneficial to health to mind

[@myrnamcmillan4755]

Fascinating Billy love your idea about the garden.

[@karenleblanc6634]

That's awesome to open th garden to public, to the town. Wonderful. Crack on.

[@michellezevenaar]

If you open the gardens I would only do that if you are planning to open a cafe on the edge. Then have it open when the cafe is open so that there is an element of supervision. Do have a bell or something that you can ring 15 minutes before closing so people don't get locked in. You will definitely need a group of volunteers to maintain the gardens. It might be a great option to open up the part that was the vegetable garden so that the volunteers could also have a vegetable garden for their own use as a compensation for maintaining the rest of the garden. The place that I know of in the Netherlands that does something similar has the volunteers work 1 morning a month for the gardens and in summer 2 mornings a month. Another place that is actually a children's playground has volunteers coming every Wednesday morning for gardening. The social aspect of coming together at the same time is key. What ever you do choose to do make sure that you consult a lawyer first and possibly have a contract or agreement of use or something.

[@Julia-zj2ch]

Opening the Convent Garden to the public is a wonderful idea. Generous and thoughtful. Green spaces and gardens are so healing.

[@philipehrman8608]

Truly a wonder, magical and mysterious.

[@LABdk]

Love the public garden idea! Fruit, veg, flowers, themed… whole hearted yes from this side of the pond.

[@dancourt4792]

I love everyday you go to the convent and discover new things. It's an amazing place with masses of history. I hope there are lots of things still to discover..........so we will all have to wait in anticipation x

[@jinks6848]

The idea to open the gardens to the public is wonderful! What a lovely person you are to give access to the community. Delightful 💛

[@richardallen6080]

That was really interesting the discovery of a Crypt! And i think that the idea of a public garden will be lovely you can find out the different plants growing there too! Cheers

[@CaptnSkelly]

Love the idea of giving back to the community by opening up the garden. Also very intriguing story about the crypt... maybe something to explore in the coming days?

[@brucen4719]

I think allowing the public into the garden space is a wonderful idea! Add some additional benches along the path for people to just sit and enjoy the space.

[@kdean9537]

Excellent idea for the gardens! Interesting about the Crypt, you are quite right respect the deceased & let them rest in peace.🙏 Find out more about the Crypt before you decide anything. Thank you for sharing, take care, stay well! Kathy x 💖

[@GoldenLady9779]

Fascinating video! Wonderful gift to the community to have a garden park. It would also give people who love gardening things to do and possibly for school children to also become involved in nature. Bravo Billy and Gwen. 🥰👩‍🌾

[@loridar1305]

That's a great idea...the clients from the retirement home would love to walk through the garden and so many from the area too...👍👍

[@suzanneseely7167]

Opening the garden sounds like a great idea but do be careful to open only a few days a week with 6 hours or so on those days when you first open the garden. Then gradually ramp it up. It is easier (and more popular) to add more hours than to take them away. 😉 This could be such a wonderful contribution the quality of life in the town.

[@darlenewebber7706]

A park is a good idea so people can walk through or take their lunch breaks there. Maybe add tables chairs and benches for people to eat and rest on. Volunteers can help with the upkeep like weeding and planting different plants for others to enjoy. Also local artists can be creative and add water features and statues for everyone to enjoy.

[@monalingan9523]

How fascinating about the crypt! Love your idea about the garden. The community would enjoy it.

[@lozdyer1087]

Opening the convent garden to the public is an awesome idea, it could be like the community gardens you have in the uk.

[@tinacarrol6702]

Billy Opening The Gardens Sounds a Wonderful Idea. Especially For People that don't have Outdoor Space. Xx 😘🌼🌻🌷🌺

[@Lea-bw9wj]

I've been thinking for a long time the gardens would be an asset to the town if they where to be opened. Having a volunteer group look after them is the best idea. As they begin to be resored they could be used to things too. Concerts, weddings, etc. An old out building could be a cafe

[@deborahgate965]

The guys have done an amazing job uncovering the path in the garden. Opening it in future to the towns people is a fantastic idea. I really, really want to c in to the crypt!! It sounds so fascinating. I'd b sticking a camera down there as soon as I could, because I'm so curious. I can't wait to c what it looks like.😯

[@brucesmith8178]

I love your idea of opening the garden to the public. Keep thinking of way to engage the local town in this project. The history of the convent is their history as well. Embrace it!

[@ruthsmith2367]

Fruit trees and fruit bushes would be nice in the garden for locals to come and help themselves or even a little allotment for the nursing home or a communal veg patch. I would be testing all the wall panels for secret rooms, I bet you find lots more 😊

[@jessicakoster2543]

A type of permaculture garden would do really well. If you set it up right, it takes care of itself.

[@sarahburton3110]

I love the idea of an allotment, especially for the elderly and underprivileged

[@audrab27]

Give a tour for a bush or tree would be lovely

[@siobhanhooke8016]

Love a good pair of plums🤣

[@mcjen]

The people living in the retirement home would probably love to have access to an allotment and just being able to walk around a garden. Some of the “EPHADs” in France can be quite dreary.

[@lizstevenson7801]

Opening up the garden would be a great idea, grwat work in clearing the paths. Just a suggestion...get the local school involved with planting, even lessons in how to plant and look after plants and vegetables, this way there will not be the temptation of any form of vandelisum. The elderly could enjoy a stroll too, maybe a bench or two so sit on. The only thing is making sure they have all left by the time the gates are closed for security reasons. There would have been a Cript, this may need to be checked incase of building deterioration through the years, also for historic information should you wish to do guided tours of the Chapel at a later date. The people in the town should be encouraged to visit often, as many of them may have childhood memories of the Nuns that lived there. Great work 💕🇦🇺

[@maryvolmer4199]

Would love to visit 😍 ❤From North Carolina 😊