A Discovery Below The Convent Hallway

[@justdoingitjim7095]

I've been involved in remodeling some old churches in Baltimore, Maryland. While not as old as lots of buildings there, here in the states we save every little scrap of old wood to reuse somewhere else. While in the demolition phases I've made some amazing discoveries that added some history to the centuries old churches. Old documents under floors boards, coins, old bottles where the old outhouse had been and used to help fill it in, I found an old Baptismal pool that had been covered over and forgotten, signatures and dates of previous craftsmen on the backs of hand cut decorative molding and once even a time capsule (metal box) located behind the old church cornerstone. It contained a written history of the church, with documents, photographs and drawings. All of this was updated and placed inside a modern time capsule and secured behind the new cornerstone at the dedication ceremony. I was pleasantly surprised when they included my name, the work I had done and a picture of me inside it. After finding where previous craftsmen had signed their work, I started doing the same with mine. Some day when someone removes the work I have done there, they will see my name (along with a little history) and marvel at it like I did so many years before.

[@canadiangirl]

Love that hallway. It feels like it can now bring in fresh air to the building! It is now so light and airy!

[@airenesmiler6624]

I'm just so impressed with this project, I just keep saying "wow!"

[@chencarrasco6139]

I'm a fan of your renovation. Bronx , New York City , New York .

[@charlesmcdermott6139]

By removing those cupboards, Billy, you have made a lovely open entrance space. New fancier doors will make the entrance even nicer. Armoires like those would have been common in convents as places where the nuns could keep shawls, coats, and scarves when going out. I agree that they will be of use elsewhere,perhaps as linen closets for the whole place. This is fascinating as you are going step by step! Enjoy your weekend, Billy, Sean, and Ryan!☘️👍🏻

[@kathyhembyhewett6109]

Hi Bill, What an adventure after adventure this is. You’re always finding a new surprise and treasure. It’s such fun! Best KZbin Channel out there in my opinion. I hope the channel keeps growing. It’s a WINNER! Thank you all so very much!!

[@nickoge]

We need to get a tour of that basement, Billy!

[@kimbedworth2991]

The hallway is so impressive. I look forward to seeing it done. Btw, Is Rick ok? Will he be coming back?

[@FarmgirlFriday]

Rick had surgery a while back. He was back for a part of a video and they said everything was fine but that he’s taking a few weeks off to rest and heal.

[@girlnorthof60]

Billy did a basement tour early on. It is pretty creepy down there... actually the only part of the convent that would give me the willies 😨

[@nickoge]

@SMGPoetryarts thanks, I must have missed that one. I thought I'd seen them all!

[@Hillexs]

Sean, You can cut flagstones in height, to make sure they are all equal. Look for a stone mason around your area, they will definitely be glad to help and advice you in such matter. You can also do it DIY way with a saw and a diamond blade, KZbin will guide you in such matter as well. Cheers.

[@andy2950]

My thoughts exactly when I saw those beautiful flagstones.

[@edaxsvensson]

Also, you might get 2 of one stone if they are thick enough! 👍

[@andy2950]

The only downside to slicing then in two is the lack of many years of wear and tear. Also, although granite is strong in compression, it can be brittle if too thin. I dropped a hammer on a granite floor tile once 😱😢 Whoops !!

[@katharinatrub1338]

Yeah Billy, remember Selmar cut Flagstones at Lalande !

[@kevinwaterman389]

Could that have been a built in cabinet or shelving above the basement stairs originally?

[@andreamalik2961]

So pleased you'll be reusing all the cupboards from the hallway, as they're beautiful. The granite floor is amazing 👏

[@selinawilsonart]

“Carpet slippers “ 😂😂 looks soo much better. What a find! Fingers crossed the flagstones can be relaid. Just gets better and better❤

[@SanIgnacioBCS]

The hallway looks much better. Makes a world of difference to have a spacious entry. Space, itself, is precious.

[@crystalroseblue6760]

Oh I love the music ......and action speeded up to go with it.....incredible work.

[@blueice011]

What an amazing progress! Love all little finds that you came across! It would be so lovely to put flagstones back in all it's characterful glory below the majestic beans. If you can't make it due to height needed for underfloor heating - perhaps you can skip the heating all together? I get it's much more cozy to enter the warm hallway during cold winter days, but hallways are not spaces people tend to stay long, they are quite 'walk through' in a lack of a better word. Besides, it will be situated in a sandwich between two large spaces which will be well heated, so some warmth will surely transfer to this space as well. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'd go for a flagstones rather than underfloor heating, if I have to choose one or another. Great work guys! XO

[@carolwaugh5466]

I find myself watching your videos all day, they are so relaxing. I am housebound after an accident and the work you do keeps my mind well occupied. Well done!

[@donnariahi2975]

Good to find access to the basement. Totally makes sense that there is a access there near the door to the outside. The hallway does look really nice now that is more open. Have a lovely weekend Sean & Billy. Do hope Rick is doing well.

[@lauralake7430]

Seems that it's better to have a railing rather than a cupboard, in case something needs to go down or come out of the cellar

[@amysbees6686]

A safer access to the basement would be better than the cupboard. I'm thinking of Ernest and Archie.

[@mradford10]

Billy - I thought the bell tower was exciting but between the Kitchen, the chapel, the organ, the refectory, the latest vision for the library and now the hallway… I can’t pick my favourite piece of this project! Thanks for sharing your journey and keep crack’n on!

[@TraumanticStudios]

Billy, I just wanted to say that every day when I stop for lunch here in Fort Collins, Colorado I tune in to your latest video. I am fascinated by what you are doing. Your channel is fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[@juliacobb4355]

It’s like a treasure hunt in that building! Something to keep you interested how they constructed this building and the modernized it trying to keep warmer. Now your getting back to basics and using all modern techniques and in 300 years someone else will say, “ Look what they did here-rip it out!”🥰😂

[@lorrainel2314]

The treasures of the Convent 💜 What a find 💗

[@jdrew5367]

Thank you Billy you have a great weekend with your family. Very lovely find underneath the floor. Look forward to seeing the ceiling pulled down.

[@GrannyV29]

Such finds seems to really energize you and Sean. He gets as excited as you Billy.

[@morganlafae1882]

Sean, like Billy, has creative vision. Have you watched Sean's KZbin channel?

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

Your hallway was a open walkway usually used for staff to get from one side to the other side the kitchen was on one side with a door that lead to the outside hallway and the other side also had a door that was opened to the open air hallway the door way to the basement is called a side stern they where small buildings usually attached to the outside of the building that when opened lead to a staircase into the basement that's why you have what looks like a door way its not its where the side stern was attached to the building

[@barbaradetmer9927]

Can’t wait to see how beautiful the hall basement entrance turns out. I think you are in for another surprise!

[@susanaleonard5953]

Any good woodcraftman would be able to use most old wood for reproductions or new creations, just not cabinets.

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

The entryway really looks large with all the cabinets removed. What a surprise find. Slowly but surely the convent with reveal her secrets. Have a good weekend 😍😘

[@annettesharrock1236]

Loving the flag stones you have found in the hallway Billy. You and Sean are diamonds you both work so well together. Have a good weekend Billy. Crack On

[@CrowShadow]

I am constantly amazed at the work you guys do there at the Convent. I more and more can see it as a venue for weddings or reunions and such. All you would have to do is make the space available and folks could bring in their own food and/or caterers. Plus you have the apartments and perhaps even some individual office space to rent out. It all certainly keeps you busy. Be well.

[@timeforturtles]

Oftentimes, I think I can just listen without watching on this channel, but then I look up and something new appears! It really is like watching a serial show…good work, Gentlemen! 🎉

[@kimrafferty7170]

I love the passion you and Sean have for restoring as much as you can. I had to smile when you and Sean were talking about putting the cupboard back to how it should be, when it was deconstructed however long ago that was they thought of it as old so turned into something new, then you and Sean came along to restore the convent and it's furnishings back to how it used to be. Everyday I get more and more excited to see what you and Sean will discover and how the convent will look when you have completed it. I don't where you found Sean but what a blessing he is. I wait for every video, thank you for sharing this amazing project with us. I hope you have a lovely weekend because you deserve a rest after everything you have achieved this week xxxx

[@terrileyda5346]

Wow! Two treasures! Old cupboard panels and then the possibly reusable granite flagstones!

[@tammiewilson5185]

Hallway looks better already! Hopefully the granite floors will work out.

[@tropicalmom2468]

Can't wait to see this grand entrance become grand again.

[@moanahughes3593]

The reveal of the bones of this lady is fascinating, thank you for your sympathetic demo!👍💚

[@holywatermama]

I'm sitting at my desk at work watching the video while eating my lunch and you made me LOL when you said you know the basement is haunted😂

[@eva_fr]

I hope, too, that you can reuse the flagstones in the entrance. I can't wait to see what is coming. I want to travel time to see it already. Great work.

[@chappellroseholt5740]

Good morning from the SF Bay Area. So exciting to see the progress and ideas for the future. Reuse, reuse, reuse! I love it. In my business of restoring vintage and antique garments I salvage everything I can, remove linings from old coats, strip beads off of unusable dresses of all decades, buttons, and anything that is still usable. When I restore a garment I have a library of authentic goodies to use. Have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday. PS It's not haunted, just filled with memories, enjoy it by adding your own.

[@annaibarra3447]

9:50 Just love how excited Sean gets about finding some goodies. “What a find “ is so true Sean! Sooo good to have a team worker like Sean around.

[@clairemartin7362]

We were in an rta today, and whilst waiting for help I thought why not watch billy😊😊

[@toonverberg1313]

Thanks for showing all the hard and satisfying work on this restoration.

[@catherinerodeback2494]

The Hallway is going to be beautiful. I can see it as a grand entrance.

[@helenstella2666]

Billy, Sean & the convent .. my Friday is complete ☺️💕

[@kaytiej8311]

Such beautiful wood. So glad you're reusing.

[@pamsmap]

I love all the work your putting into restoring and making a building better.

[@SpaceFlye]

The intro song is quickly becoming a classic for this channel.

[@Gunny672]

Agree!

[@ceeletter5772]

It’s called THE CASTLE by ANBR. It is a treasure just like this channel. ❤️❤️❤️

[@helenstella2666]

I too agree 👍😊

[@AliWade1971]

As soon as I hear the music, I get excited

[@mrsducky3428]

Agreed!

[@Ntvcolorado]

There needs to be a late night Billy and Ryan basement exploration video.

[@suemount6042]

That would be hilarious!

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

Only if there are a few people ready to provide some jump-scares!

[@lyndavies5562]

I couldn,t watch something like hat …Don,t mess with that basement ,block it completely off from the hallway.😱

[@plongsta5593]

Oh, you have to keep the flagstone floor! Once you’ve taken them all up, can you not cut them to a similar height - that can be used with the underfloor heating? I know it’ll take a while - and lots of diamond saw blades 😀 But it will look amazing when the flags are re-laid. Loving your work, guys :) 👏

[@DarProbus]

The difference in the light coming in is wonderful!!

[@lauralake7430]

It's nice and relaxing to watch you, because you don't throw things away for no reason. Who knows, the doors to that inside out armoire may well show up somewhere else, waiting to be reunited with the rest of it!

[@ClarkRahman]

The epic music while dismounting a shelving unit is a mood

[@Memo-sword]

You are taking us in your adventure. I Love it❤

[@jadejohns3107]

Great vlog Billy, you remain in my top 10. The entrance hall will be amazing, great to see your vision unfolding. The stairs to the basement - and the many iterations of it - may point to a much older building originally on site. Hence the ghost’s 😂😅🌟

[@sassyjenny2564]

I love to see the old stone work, and the basement access. Well done! Looks so much better with out the cabinets!!

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

This must have been torn down and the addition was added to the house you really should get that old slab off of the granite tile put a new slab down and use the granite tile as your new tile entry way it would look bad ass as hell in that hallway

[@lilliesfaire4428]

Wow!! That looks amazing. Something I have observed and greatly respect especially with Europeans, in America, we tend to demolish and throw away, but across the pond, you take apart and reuse/refurbish. You maintain the lovely charm. Kudos to you all. Love what you are doing and look forward to new episodes every day. Have a lovely weekend. You guys deserve the rest. See you on Monday!!

[@Msdinomite]

I think it's more of a British fascination. The French are renowned for selling off antiques as bits of junk quite cheaply and leaving whole chateaus with original items in them.

[@deannayoung5311]

Hello Billy and Sean 😁 So lovely seeing your smiling Face's today' very nice indeed, I'm completely gobsmacked Wow opening the hallway You could actually feel the air lighter Going through there" really I'm very excited to see all that Area stripped back' it's already looking so much better" You two have earned a very nice relaxing weekend 😎😊 Stay safe and well 🙏🏼 Give my love to the family please 💐 See you Monday🤝

[@mavep2855]

Have a great weekend Billy. Excellent vlog as always🙏❤️

[@lizstevenson7801]

You did well removing those cupboards. The entrance into the inside of the Convent is most important, first impressions of the interior as people walk in. I know it will look quite special when you have finished it, even though its a lot of hard work. Enjoy your weekend Sean and Billy. 💕🇦🇺

[@louiselewis5061]

I love these time lapse segments. I’m glad you’re taking the cupboards out-the lovely entrance deserves better. I think the stairway to the basement may need more than just a railing, but I’m sure you will make it great as always. Very exciting. Well done!

[@rafaeltorres2460]

You have improved the entry. I've always liked open entrances...Crack on, guys!

[@risalangdon9883]

Ooooohhhhhh, I would love to see the basement!!!! Also, if there is another entrance to the same area of the basement, you could just block that off. But curious if it leads to a crypt area. You will definitely have to investigate it at some point and take us along.

[@FarmgirlFriday]

It was explored in one of their early videos about the convent. They went down there but it’s not so big. And certainly this part is not a crypt. There does seem to be some kind of basement under the chapel that they have not accessed yet. What is under there is anyone’s guess!

[@lorispencer2046]

I enjoy watching your vlogs every weekday, and tell Sean I'm loving the Don King hair! 🤣

[@janineregan]

Billy, you certainly live your mantra - once you have an idea, you crack on and get it done! That’s why I love your channel so much. There’s always something exciting going on! ❤

[@mannyortiz4814]

Billy, Sean my darlings. Beautiful job on taking down the cupboards. They will be handy somewhere else in the convent. The new discovery by the basement shows the age of the building. Well my loves see ya on Monday. Take care and stay safe 🍺🍺🇺🇸😇🕊🌞👍❤️🎈🌈🙏🌹

[@kaznatbabs]

Omg, it looks so much better without the cupboards! It’s a proper hallway again now! ❤

[@jeffreyvoss7819]

Awesome job, Gents. Been binge watching, till current episodes. Agree with Hillexs comments. Rent or hire a stone cutter. That granite would be BEAUTIFUL!! Even, if only in the hallway.

[@steveholtum6259]

Always wear your dusk mask Billy. You will want to meet your grandchildren! (New Zealand)

[@rmur4820]

I love watching your progress Billy. A bright spot in the day. Have a great weekend and look forward to accomplishments next week.

[@jillphillips2835]

Always finding treasures everywhere! Great find in the hallway with the flagstones and cabinets! They will make great storage for linens if you eventually convert a few rooms to accomodations! Great idea to re-assemble the old armoir!

[@NatiHerron]

That entrance is so wide and airy and your plans will make it a grand entry!

[@chrisdavis2040]

Wonderful find. How beautiful it would have been to have all the floors in that stone.

[@mdaly23md]

I always thought that entry was a bit claustrophobic! It looks much better now that it has been cleared out. Billy, why don’t you put a trap door over the cellar stairway? Make it look like the floor, then you wouldn’t have to put a rail there. It is out of sight and the hole is covered. I think that would be a better option, this way that remains open and it is safe, no risk of someone falling in. It will also make it easier and safer to work on the ceiling. Railing would get in the way of the staging.

[@bevharrie7332]

….or create an outside entrance to the basement

[@theaussiegeek]

Oh My God the music intro is spectacular. Love it so much that it makes your videos perfect.

[@mariagillinson8527]

Happy Weekend Billy and Team… enjoy well deserved rest…

[@terriesakrueger7745]

The hall way will look awesome with oiled beams and flagstone flooring. Keep up the great work!

[@patriciablair7878]

Busy day today at the convent if those cabinets could talk 🦜 they would say hey sister don't forget your umbrella lol love all the work have a great weekend billy n Sean..

[@sheadimods2709]

AMAZING! What a beautiful floor. This project is so much fun to watch.

[@patdowney4984]

I love how wide the hallway is .think the music was fantastic x

[@JennyA1961]

Another day, another find. Fabulous! ❤🐨

[@dawnronson8566]

I have really been enjoying this series. There is always lots going on and that place is full of mysteries. Never a dull moment!

[@williamharvill7492]

Absolutely phenomenal intro, particularly enjoyed the transition of Billy deconstructing and then reappearing with the scaffold.

[@davidbandler]

The cellar access was a later revision to provide easier access from the kitchen and repurposed (now pantry) hallway to the cellar for food storage. That door way above the cellar stairs is the original doorway to the next room; and that stairwell was cut into the floor and added later. Somewhere else in the convent, or perhaps outside, should be the original cellar access.

[@user-vb6gl6nf7c]

Possible wartime concealment, or, escape route…?

[@davidbandler]

Most likely just a need for increased storage and convenient access from the kitchen as the convent grew and had more and more sisters residing there. Through-out several other tour videos of the convent, it has been shown that there is food, dry good, and vegetable/garden storage scattered around the building, tucked away wherever it seemed they had space. Adding interior cellar access would have been a huge upgrade to the convent. It is (and was) not uncommon to have utilitarian access points dressed-up (or "hidden" away) behind built-ins, furniture, and wood-working - and to utilize "dead" space for storage (like above, below, and beside stairwells.) People made things to look nicer, function better, and last longer back then, than they do today.

[@milkweeddreams8828]

Love it without the cupboard, good move, then on to that amazing ceiling, I hope it goes smooth...I'm exhausted just thinking about it all...crackin' on for sure...!

[@cheriethievin9243]

you two work so well together...xo

[@connieworcester55]

Great work as usual... The granite floor is beautiful, (I love it) but I think it would be very difficult to reuse the granite in that hallway, because of the kitchen floor elevation, and the uneven thickness of the flagstones..?. maybe you could dig up the granite and use it elsewhere, maybe in an "enchanted garden" with seating, bistro tables, flowers, arbors, pergolas , oh the possibilities..... As far as the the hallway, with under floor heating, maybe the flooring could be similar to the kitchen, flooring, maybe with a round tile medallion in the middle where the kitchen entrance is.?? It's fun to think of different possibilities.. Can't wait for Next week.. !!!

[@karinbergman1646]

Wow, how very exciting! The Narnia cupboard entrance to the basement was something, and then to find the granite floor! There's a mystery around every corner! I see both you and Gwendolyn think the basement is haunted. How about a special episode exploring again and telling us why!? And including a peek into the crypt under the chapel? Please? Pretty please? still think there was some structure previous to the Convent being built there. Or if not at that exact place, then on the highest elevation you are near. Does the terrain go any higher than the land the pub and street are on? Where is the nearest granite source the stone would have been mined?💗

[@donnagriffis4871]

I would love to see if you can put the old granite floor back down… it’s so cool ! Like a old castle floor gorgeous.👍👏🤩

[@marshahill562]

I have to wonder whether or not this area was originally “open area”. The granite could easily have been the outside wall of the convent. The basement with such a heavy door suggests so. Perhaps the original convent was added to over the years and this hall enclosed to facilitate an addition.

[@johnpritchard2772]

hello Billy, sean and everyone else, what an surprise when the old cuboards came out! Well done everyone for a great week of programes and progress! best wishes from Lincolnshire

[@jefflawrentz1624]

It is sooo cool you’re saving the pieces of the old wardrobe that had been repurposed into the larger closet. I would think a clever cabinetmaker could use other old wood and recreate a smaller wardrobe from those pieces. This building has so many interesting facets. While the basement may be scary I still would like to see it. Thanks again for another fun episode !

[@catherinekilgour2563]

I was also surprised when you did the maths for the floor area and it was a third the size of the kitchen. I thought the hall was much smaller than kitchen. Great progress. I like Marie Daly's suggestion of a trapdoor over the entrance to the basement.

[@jomcd2073]

The hallway looks so much better now it's open:)

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

The entryway is just looking brilliant. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@lazygardens]

Very nice. The sheer amount of boards in those cupboards!

[@valw3212]

Flagstone would look amazing in that hallway. Here's hoping it works out. So exciting. Peace♥

[@michellerene951]

Oh Billy, please do a video of the basement! That would be so cool to see!

[@icuinthelight]

One can always make an exterior access to the basement from the outside, then fill in and concrete the interior access to gain more floor area!

[@angelacuthew1986]

This is just amazing to watch. I just love your channel Billy. Keep up the good work👌👌

[@hopegrable]

What a wonderful discovery! Really glad you'll be taking the hallway floor up. It's going to be so beautiful! Hope you all have a restful peaceful weekend. 💖💖💖

[@suemccoy7533]

Everyday a new discovery. The entry looks so airy now. Crack On and enjoy your weekend with your family!

[@gemdcreations]

How lovely and spacious the hallway looks now. May I suggest if you want to have a railing for the Basement access, then consider some lovely wrought Iron designed rails or an oak bannister to keep in with the period of the convent. You may need to check with the council on what will be needed there so that it is safe for any visitors as there are WHS requirements on open access to basements. You may also wish to place some sort of board over the staircase opening until you are working on it as someone may accidently step back and lose their footing down into the basement. Just a thought.

[@kariannecrysler640]

So exciting to find those flagstones! It would make a killer heated floor! Loving that little hallway. So much potential for such a simple space. Well done.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Another floor tear out? My back hurts already and I’m just watching. Very curious how the ceiling looks in the hall and the “library”. Have a nice weekend everyone

[@sarahburton3110]

Exciting stuff Billy 😊. Amazing progress this week