Unearthing Something Sinister

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[@markh3271]

Wonderful find in the garden but it is not a flintlock musket. It is known as a percussion cap musket. It was first designed in 1807 and became widespread by the 1820s.

[@pollytiks3885]

I wonder if it was used for hunting game.

[@markh3271]

@@pollytiks3885 Possible. The Napoleonic Wars were fought until 1814 so it might be related to that time. Possibly the grounds were used as nursing or a convalescent area for wounded soldiers.

[@pmichael73]

This fits with the time that the nuns would have been expelled from the convent and the building used for other purposes - possibly even to house troops. Not much other militaria has been found, though I think there was a uniform button a year or so ago.

[@jamesbaker429]

Shame to see all the old fruit trees coming out survived the neglect and great wars ,it's your choice ..

[@AndreatheDoria]

@@jamesbaker429some are probably dead or diseased and no long barring fruit. That they pulled out looks like it just grew there. It was neglected for well over 10 years.

[@adriannecote5319]

The garden looks so much bigger now that all that overgrowth has been removed. Great job Mick. It will look lovely.

[@cliveklg7739]

especially at 21:24

[@patsears4209]

Nice video. Lots of different things. Love the cleared garden space.

[@chriss-nf1bd]

Wounded people during war would have been medically treated there. The gun may have been left by one that died.

[@girlnorthof60]

I thought maybe left behind by the person scaring birds out of the garden (picture some 60 yr old nun firing it off 😂) but your idea is probably right.

[@susannystrom-marshall9437]

@chriss-nf1bd this would make a brilliant story for Alex to document, especially if there is history of soldiers being treated or hidden.

[@AmyLouiseDens]

I am so amazed at all Mick and Rick have accomplished outdoors. Will be beautiful grounds

[@Django44]

They make a great landscaping crew, they do.

[@SandyD2022]

Love the metal detecting. It's a nice break from plastering the walls I'm sure for both of them.

[@roywills5387]

Must not be Mick's first time to upend a tree....but the first time one came armed.

[@sammcturk8898]

😊❤

[@sandygroenendyk5141]

😂

[@Amethyst_Dragon_]

😆😂😂😅😊 Oh my goodness that is so funny 🤣😂

[@Sophia-uc9qh]

Simon is such a great presenter!

[@ulfjohansson3980]

What an improvement in Yannis English from when he joined the team. When everything is done he will be fluent with a British accent.

[@brandyjean7015]

I agree! I don't claim to be either of those worthy titles... However I do appreciate Simon's perfectly natural, respectful, cheery, form of addressing all of us loyal subscribers. Carry on dear Sirs!

[@pamabernathy8728]

Exciting!! I know from experience (Spanish is my 2nd language) that listening & speaking is absolutely the best way to learn a language. Yanis has an excellent mind, he is attentive & wants to learn as much as he can, in just about every situation. He is an excellent young man. & I teared up when Billy mentioned awhile back that Yanis earns money to send to Algeria to help his family. ❤

[@Sus-tq7sp]

Yannis and Simon are the perfect team. Mick and Rick are the perfect team. Billy and Alex are the perfect team. This show is a treasure.

[@melissacoelho8413]

Yannis is far better than most especially for someone that has basically learned on his own. I personally know only a smattering of a few languages. What he has done is simply amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@katyp8503]

I’d like to hear more French spoken to try and improve my own!

[@zoecooper6436]

What an amazing man Mick is! You wouldn't think he was 80, hes more active than many others half his age. Love him 😊

[@Hollybank5]

What an amazing find today !!! 😮🎉. Thanks to Mick 👍. The green looks fantastic !!! ❤

[@claudiayamada8377]

A rifle and one old shoe buried at the Convent. The making of a mystery novel. 😮

[@WolfgangZenker-e5s]

Did anyone look if there's still a bit of musketeer inside that old shoe?

[@Peachy08]

It was a modern looking shoe.

[@Kevakazii]

@@Peachy08 Yeah I'm pretty sure I see stripes on the shoe.

[@cherylbellardino5211]

I was certain that a body was about to be discovered!

[@girlnorthof60]

Aww, another great vlog. This one had a bunch of stuff I enjoy: convent reno, the garden, Mick on the JCB (I could watch him all day long), a 'sound' mystery, metal detecting, and an awesome historical find. I'm all about the detecting process; the finds are a bonus. A WOW bonus- the gold is in the garden 👍😁 Cheers guys

[@jodirauth8847]

The outdoor area is so beautiful. Billy and his brother are off on their own adventures. Simon and Yanis are amazing together

[@sandrajones633]

Yanis is perfecting his English very well.

[@janettekarling-bl4qs]

I love to watch Yannis and Simon communicate.

[@malina1239]

I love that they each teach each other a new language. They have both learned a lot😊

[@teresachase47]

Thank you Simon, for letting us know Billy is ok. So thankful for your commentary, as you, Yanis and Mick know for sure what is going on. I miss Billy.

[@lisajahn6839]

Excellent find! Beautiful episode! Thank you all! ❤🎉😊👍🥳🥰😮

[@suemccoy7533]

Great transformation after clearing the garden. What a gorgeous place this must have been back in those days. Great job Mick! The gun found was about the best recovery so far.

[@AlanBush-tc8bp]

The Musket looks like an infantry Charleville Musket, used during the French revolution 1700s and 1800s. A very nice find indeed.

[@4EyedFox]

Looks to me like a percussion cap musket so it would be a little later than that, maybe 1822 model

[@vannygun]

@@4EyedFox I agree, not a flint lock. Awesome fine !

[@GinaSylva]

I love Simon. You’re doing great with “ ladies & gentleman “!!😊 Love your channel Pethricks.

[@kcnurse19]

Even the sisters may have needed a way to dispatch farm animals who were sick, injured, or destined for the kitchen.

[@girlnorthof60]

gee, I didn't consider that... quite possible

[@DonnaQuirk-v8u]

You should contact the local historical/ archiological society. They could tell you if there was a games keeper or any battles in the area.

[@Rosarium2007]

Archeologists might also like to have a chance to dig in that garden.

[@crazyguy_1233]

Yeah. It could help them figure out the gun’s history. Then they could make a little plaque and put it in a display.

[@helenf9650]

Amazing find. Please film what you find out about it.

[@Bluesky-ty6nt]

I was waiting for you to unearth a skeleton where the weapon and the boots were😂

[@angelafeist8416]

IKR! That's what I keep expecting to show up somewhere! 😳😳💀☠

[@attilladacook3405]

Me too!

[@AC949]

Exactly! Me too!

[@spreston1996]

What an exciting find by Mick! I enjoyed seeing more of the convent grounds, also.

[@deniseheisler6619]

The garden area is really coming along. It would be great if Billy or Alex could put up a drone, so we could see the progress.

[@pamabernathy8728]

YES to Simon being Yanis's assistant!!! As Yanis's skills keep developing, he will soon be directing those still learning.❤❤❤

[@JacobC365]

Today’s end pose 9/10 - Simon and Yanis, two thumbs up and a little “quick step” from Yanis👍

[@AC949]

Papa Mick is amazing. He can do anything! That gun is amazing. I love how they take an interest in all the little things. Simon is so patient & kind & him and Yanis are the best pair!

[@ellentaylor365]

Seeing an overall garden view from top to bottom and the lovely green patch with the large trees behind, I am imagining a beautiful area for lawn games such as Boules or Croquet.

[@meganhall1306]

Great find by Mick! Fab vlog, hope to see Billy soon xxx💕💕💕

[@kimberleybrown-j7y]

That rich, beautiful soil is a sight to behold!

[@Django44]

It is, isn't it? So valuable, in many ways.

[@boa1793]

I’m so glad others like dark soil.

[@laraynelarsen9644]

I think the noise you heard earlier was that little owl you found in the downspout because you haven’t heard any noise since then. 😊

[@peggyfiedler1556]

I think you're spot on!

[@angelinagalvez9031]

I love how they cleared the garden area it's going to look amazing when they are done. Watching everything coming together is very enjoyable.

[@carolflynn7933]

Ohh great find. Simon is great at presenting Such a natural.

[@Retro-Active]

Actually a French M1822T. The T indicates it was converted from flintlock to percussion cap ignition.

[@katschs3965]

That low grassy area in the newly cleared back garden looks like it could accommodate a lovely small pond.

[@marionryan582]

Mick is doing a great job in the garden 🪴 well done guys 👍👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩🤩🌅

[@BettyKoehler-zg5sv]

Another interesting video! Great find, Mr. Petherick!! The ceiling, tho tedious, is coming along nicely. Simon and Yanis will be anxious to start plastering! The ghosts are probably gone pleased with what you are doing. 🤷‍♀️. Love from Pennsylvania, USA 💕🌷🐻

[@deborrastrom8559]

Whenever Billy & Michael are "together" - unique stuff happens that Michael is a genius at. They usually laugh alot around any event they go together at. ❤ miss you both. Love this video > I think Mic & Crew can take over for Billy any time. 😉 ❤

[@pattysands564]

I love that you are showing the garden

[@richardweaver9682]

I've seen some of those mulchers attached to tractors on you tube before particularly being used up in Michigan. They will take down just about any plant up to about two inches thick and grind it up to the same material you were alking on.

[@karenmccarthy8017]

Mick is a legend!

[@lendejeffcoat4943]

Simon, if you don't already have your own channel, you need one. I'd love to see more of your farmhouse.

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Well found Mick!! I bet Billy will be sick as a parrot to have missed that❤❤👌👌🙏🏻🙏🏻🤞

[@pamabernathy8728]

So amazing to see the shape of the garden!! I see a budget item for Billy to hire a one time yard clean up!

[@imawehole]

That's something else you should try. Magnet fishing. Run the magnet through the streams and ponds on the property. Great fun.

[@busterdee8228]

What an intrguing find. As the hospital, at times, cared for troops, maybe the garden had a tent bivouac, either as extra 'bed' space or some kind of staging or convalescing area. The percussion (caps) lock might have been a patient's, misplaced by the urgency of care. Or, the weapon may just have been damaged at the time without the means to repair it. Parts would not have been particularly interchangeable.

[@StonedustandStardust]

Amazing find Mick. Thanks Simon & Yanis.

[@AlastorYT]

The musket appears to be a Charleville from the early 1800s and converted to percussion cap.

[@sidobern4374]

For me it looks like a Zouave 1863.

[@AlastorYT]

@@sidobern4374 If you look at the shape of the first barrel band, the beveled rear of the lock plate, and the longer thumb rest of the hammer it's much more likely a Charleville. The Charleville musket is also of French origin which increases it's odds. There are several examples of these percussion converted Charlevilles here in the US that were used in the Civil War.

[@joelupa2558]

No way mick found that under the tree!!! Nice find mate

[@beaniecat1980]

What a great find! The back garden is looking great, so open. 😊

[@pitsnipe5559]

Not a flint lock, a percussion cap. Still over 150 years old, my guess.

[@synicyst9925]

After 1820 and before 1860 probably.

[@carolwhite6979]

Mick really seems to enjoy his gardening, the big toys help too! no shovels! Great find Mick! always interesting seeing how you measure and trim the plasterboard to fit those little spaces by the beam. Thanks for all your work Alex.

[@naomimeyers84]

What an incredible find!!! History is so much more exciting when you can discover it yourself. I hope you can add it to the display case of all the things you've found during the renovations. That garden is going to be beautiful once its all manicured and replanted.

[@marynolan6401]

Fantastic find ! The nuns might have had a groundsman looking over the produce and grounds for any poachers especially if there was the farmhouse nearby too

[@denisebugler5761]

I really enjoy the metal detecting and the noise recorder bits. So interesting.

[@lizslater5607]

Where is Billy ? You are all working so hard , the gardens are looking great well done Mick and Rick xxx

[@Jessie91J]

watch 23:36

[@kerrybyers257]

They’ve left. They are happy with your work and plans, so can move on.

[@kathygodbeaux4837]

I can hear Mick saying to Simon "you call that a shovel, I'll show you a shovel."

[@angelafeist8416]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@annettewalter2273]

Congratulations Mick on your terrific find. Most unexpected.

[@melrngi]

Where is Ryan? He's disappeared for a long time 😢

[@fiberotter]

What an awesome find!!! Musket balls are found all the time, but never the whole rifle!

[@GyurlTrini]

Hey Billy, Simon, Mick & Yanis! Great work! ...missing you Billy! But, glad to see Simon & Yanis taking up the slack with hosting / commenting for the videos! That said, what is the history of the convent / the area, when it comes to World War 1 & 2? I know Mick found that old musket, and I want to say proceed with caution just in case ... my great uncle died in WW1 in France. They never found his remains. It has been said that during & after WW1, many of the soldiers who passed, were buried right where they passed (in many cases they would have been buried with their weapons, just because bombs & explosives that would have been around made it unsafe for people to go in and properly rescue / recover. The fact that a musket was recovered may suggest it's possible there may have been a battle in that area & if so, it's a possibility that there may also be other weapons, and, even, (hopefully not) some remains. So, just be careful.

[@concertmasterp]

I have also discovered that the Hospital convents were used to keep the nuns confined in one area. This was a concession from the revolutionaries who overthrew Louis XVI. They realized the hospitals were needed for their wounded.

[@kimvanek2322]

I consider all helping as "part of the family" in this adventure! All are interesting in their own way. Wish we could see more of the boys as they grow but privacy has its place as well! Just a lovely bunch of awesome, hard working silly men bringing us along for the ride!!! It would be fun to have a party so we could meet SO's and extended family closer to the holidays!!!! Thanks guys!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@infullbloommonica]

Alex needs a microphone too so we can hear him interviewing 👌🏼

[@imawehole]

You may want to read up on preservation of the rifle coming out of the earth. Since it was in a damp environment it may need to stay damp until it is stabilized or else the wood might crack.

[@assassinlexx1993]

Could you fly the drone in the garden . So we get a idea where the rife was found and that new area that was cleared

[@carmel-on8im]

See you all tomorrow. Great find Mr Petherick. Thanks Simon and Yannis for giving up some lunch time to look for more treasure. Alex great video. Watching from Australia.

[@Hellyers]

Wow, the look on Mick's face was priceless when he found the musket. Does this mean you can officially rename your gang to the Convent Musketeers now?

[@Tizmelou]

When the garden is finished it would make a great space for community fetes etc! Mick I’d downing a fabulous job clearing it all.❤

[@carolannecosgrove5152]

Yesss Ryan's flat. Amazing. Ryan we are all worried about you, please get in touch.

[@haagatha]

I think they put it in the one above Ryan's. He told us the sad story of a lady that passed away there several years ago when all the apartments were being rented out before Billy owned it

[@LarcR]

Maybe Ryan has been so busy working on his house that he hasn't had time to make a video or keep in touch. 😉

[@carolannecosgrove5152]

@@LarcR I doubt that, because the videos make him the money to buy resources for the Reno, so without the videos he isn't earning. If he has another job he'd never have the time to renovate.

[@gerryhartung736]

My former wife's grandparents told me during occupation be Nazis in WWII that people would bury their weapons so occupiers couldn't confiscate them.

[@suehall3298]

Brilliant find 🤗👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love Sue ❤❤❤🇬🇧❤❤❤

[@TR-rz1xt]

That detector's hilarious... sounds like a cross between the Clangers and my washing machine lol

[@lisaakinlabi]

It would be wonderful to use that property as a community garden, providing food for those in need.

[@edithaquino-js4pf]

Great find …well done!

[@espaine_AZ]

Excellent episode! The progress inside the convent is great, but Mick's garden progress is amazing.

[@mpiokpee]

An amazing find !!! Not certain if the barrel is too far gone from corrosion but maybe it could be identified. If I had to take an educated guess I would say its a Charleville Rifle. However, Proof Marks are usually found at the breech end of the barrel(s), often on the underside requiring removal of the barrel(s) from the gun to ascertain. These are quite significant in many cases as to origin of the gun.

[@laurensouthgate2458]

A flintlock what a find! Didn't you find a small round pellet ball last time? The ceiling is looking great.

[@sr.marycatharineperry547]

I'm watching this from Switzerland....at 9:51 exactly when Alex said "9:51"!

[@krisr1704]

my grandfather (who was 94 yrs old and passed this past feb.) had a musket rifle restored many years ago and gave it to my father ... it had an interesting story with it ...his grandfather( my x2 great grandfather) who found it in a hallow of a tree in Oklahoma somewhere used it to shoot bears back in the day in Oklahoma...really cool if u think about it b/c we dont have bears here anymore in Oklahoma lol but very cool story and it will be passed down to my son when hes ready for it ... its def a beautiful thing to look at for sure a talking piece...we had it mounted over the fireplace for many years till we had a large earthquake many years ago that knocked a flat screen tv on to it and knocked it down ... but it was fine ... the tv was toast tho lol better the tv than the antique right ? lol

[@jomeyer13]

oh kept there for just in case?

[@lindagage7315]

Great job Mick! Well done

[@ScottnotBob]

That flintlock find is freaking cool!!!!✌️🤘🇨🇦

[@RosettaMaranos]

If you can figure out where the midden and/or outhouses were located (pre-indoor plumbing and pre-municipal garbage collection), that's where the really interesting things will be found. Granted, it won't be metal detecting you'll be doing, but digging. Ceramics and glass and whatever wouldn't burn or disintegrate...

[@PatchworkUSA]

Great idea!

[@arleneczerwinski3348]

Yes! There are always great finds to behold in them.

[@MsWorteltje]

Almost there, 40 something videos to go and I'll be at the present day! Keep up the work guys, I'm at the sandblasting from the dining and library sealing, Realy love the work so far and everyone involved in it! Crack on!!

[@JaxonsDd007]

Did you start at the beginning when Billy was at still at the Chateau?..those were some of the best days.. It was when I realized what a hard worker Billy was. His passion now pays him to keep going. ❤

[@MsWorteltje]

@JaxonsDd007 came across a sample of the finished kitchen that intrigued me and started from the playlist, After a couple weeks I noticed I was missing pieces from the journey and started filling In and finish watching from the main channel videos so yeah I've seen everything so far 👌🏻

[@svartorivigt5016]

From the state of the firearm it's hard to tell. But I'm gonna give a guess, that it is a percussion conversion of a Charleville musket.

[@synicyst9925]

Yes, I think this is a post 1820 Charleville conversion, and the short barrel says carbine or officers version.

[@traceyhames8574]

As a second language teacher, I’m loving observing Yanis’ progression! He’s a legend!

[@mai_world]

Sometimes, when prayers aren't enough.... A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

[@kaye-q1k]

Wow that was quite the find. Be interesting to know how old the gun is. The garden looks three times bigger with all the bushes etc removed. Great job everyone.

[@marshabentley5276]

yanis is improving by leaps and bounds!

[@cecoya]

Great job Gentlemen!!! Interesting find with the tree dig up. A Flintlock, probably belonged to someone being treated there or someone that was hiding out/occupied the convent. Be careful digging around I know that most convents from that era had a cemetery on the grounds. Have a great day

[@jomeyer13]

One could speculate a fantastic story, if one were a writer

[@nicoledyehouse966]

I wonder if there was someone sneaking about when you were gone and now stopped bc they realized there was a recorder about. put it back in the bathroom!! that location got lots of action

[@lindacushing7780]

That's awesome. Find I enjoy watching all the progress you guys have made.

[@Fasciseus]

I do believe that shoe 19:18 once belonged to a ped-legged pirate.

[@margaretrollo4114]

Does Simon have is own channel if not can we see more of his renovations on his farmhouse, please?

[@irishpiecute]

Funny u saying about not seeing Ryan for awhile, I’ve been wondering why he hasn’t been posting for awhile but didn’t like to put anything on his site because I don’t think he needs the pressure, hope he’s ok 🙏💙😘🇬🇧

[@KatMer6163]

YT says 0 views, 27 likes, and 3 comments. Their metric scanner is off. Kudos to Simon continuing his polite greeting.

[@Rosarium2007]

I think the views start counting once the watching is finished, so if a 12 minute video has been up five minutes it won’t show any views as would take seven and a half minutes to finish it at 2x speed with zero adverts.

[@helenf9650]

Love Simon and Yanis laughing.

[@tonyatippetts2316]

It's a black powder flintlock, in America it was sometimes called a Kentucky rifle, or a Muzzleloader. The 50-caliber sort is a lot of fun to shoot but can deliver quite a kick. Mine had a metal lined shoulder piece that did no small damage to my shoulder one day. Mine was a reproduction, and that is as close as I have been to an original. Lafeyette's men might have brought one home after helping with the war.