We Found Hidden Tunnels underneath our French Chateau
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2022
- Today at the Chateau we're finding abandoned hidden tunnels at the Chateau that have been blocked up since the allied advancement and subsequent liberation of France in 1944...
Do they exist, can we get in them, why were they blocked up and what's hidden inside them?
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Chateau du Bailleul
Le Bailleul
Herce, Pays de la Loire
53120 FRANCE
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dear sir. I am a master Stone Mason. I trained in Germany quite a while ago. What you have are not tunnels. They're called Prussian ceilings. they hold up the house like a foundation. As you live next to a pond this is how they built foundations. And then made Arch bricks crossing over for strength. You do not have hidden tunnels. You might have a hidden walkway. But not tunnels built on purpose. That's why they call them Prussian ceilings every old house in Europe uses them. More commonly used in Germany and in Austria for homes in that type of style.
Interesting Sir thank you.
As an archaeologist who has excavated through the rubble of a collapsed house sat above a standing Roman era arch, I STRONGLY suggest you contact the government's office for archeology or the most local University with a Department of Archaeology. They will have access to ground penetrating radar, tiny remote cameras, equipment to dig safely without the the chateau collapsing, and may even be able to finance the excavation. It's a fascinating adventure, looking forward to watching it unfold!
Yes and no… Historical and Archeological things like this are often headaches for selling. Come with heavy heavy new restrictions. And are often taken right out of the homeowners pocketbook. Pay for the excavation, and now the site is a registered heritage site and you suddenly can run AC in your house without 6 years of deliberation at your expense to add a firm “no” to the proposal.
I’m not saying don’t. I’m not that’s how it works in France. I am saying, if you are in the house for the investment. Don’t look. And sell it before you know. If you value adventure more than money. Why not, I guess. I however suspect no one from your line of work work would mention the other half.
@@chickenmonger123 that is some terrible advice, is AC or any other modern confort really worth hidding history? it astounds me the lenght people will go for money, incredible...
wouldn't advise that. yours will become theirs 😢
@@oldworldstudio 'history' it's a tunnel under a house, chill out. And you don't know the annoyance of suddenly living in a protected heritage site. You can't change anything anymore, resale value goes down. Grow up, you are probably a woman or a young kid
@@bertlammens4392 very eloquent reply, I am definitly an adult I just don't value money over everything else. There is a reason why houses get classified, if you don't want the hassle just buy a new property, it's really that simple... 😅
When I lived in England I had a large old house. Below the house were rooms and tunnels. They were originally places where game and carcasses could be hung. There were gutters below the hanging racks.Tthere were wine cellars and stone 'tables' for processing food. The temperature remained even all the year and kept fruit , vegetables and carcasses for long periods . A large house like yours would have fruit and vegetable gardens and possibly deer, rabbits, hares sheep, cows and pigs, etc. that could be kept through the winter in similar cellars.A house where my husband lived had an underground cystern for storing water. It was quite deep (about ten feet down)with a vaulted ceiling and in dry weather one could go down into it so presumably it was fed with rain water. The circular stair was probably access to the cellars.
How about 'Ground Penetrating Radar'? Certainly there are companies that could be hired. Or local universities' archaeology or history departments may be interested in exploring with you. And, have you ever tried metal detecting around the grounds, or magnet fishing within the moat?
This seems to be the safest suggestion. You shouldn't go digging without some preliminary assessment. You don't want to disturb anything which would cause instability of the building - not to mention danger to life and limb. 2 lives if Billy goes with you. If you cause damage to the building, how does that affect your insurance? I understand the French are even more touchy around their ancient buildings than the UK - and they're bad enough.
Great minds think alike 👍. And something that can be done without infringing on the needs of the property for any events.
i smell fish
How was that missed in initial survey before you purchased?
Freaking Creepy!!!
@@Alexe829 Most houses in France are bought without a survey.
During the war secrets like this "disappeared" so enemies were not aware of storage or human hiding areas
Good luck
I’m sure that there has to be escape tunnels leading away from the chateau coming out somewhere on the grounds - it only makes sense. Can’t wait for more exploring.
But they have to be deeper than the moat. Maybe an ancient vinecellar.
I bet there is secret entrance to the tunnel system somewhere in the house. It's basically a security thing if they were backed into a corner. Old houses have loads of secret pathways built in.
I love that about some old houses! I grew up in the New Orleans area and had a friend who lived in this house with so many secret passageways, I’m guessing now it had something to do with slavery or prohibition(I don’t know the history and can’t remember where this house even is now) but back then we were just kids who thought it was a cool way to play hide and seek.
@@typsy3852 People always want an simple explanation for secret tunnels like slavery or something but it's more likely just an security thing. Almost all old buildings had them. it wasn't like you could call for help if someone wanted to rob or murder you
When researching the farms and buildings which my ancestors owned I have found very comprehensive information and plans for the properties which revealed a lot. I managed to source these online at the local university.
My advice for you is that I certainly would not do it myself. Especially with the obvious high water level surrounding the chateau which is surrounded by a moat.
Another thought is that the chateau could have been built on the ruins of a castle or ancient building. Considering the vaulted ceilings which you described there also could be the possibility of a church or monastery. But the fact that the chateau has a moat leans towards some sort of fortified structure. This is promoted by the discovery of a circular stairway. It sounds like a stairway which was traditionally designed for security and the ability to effectively through sword fighting repel any enemy attacks.
Explore the history of the area and check for any ancient families who would have owned the property as part of their estate. This is rather fascinating.
The other suggestions for ground penetrating radar are excellent. If an archaeological team come to investigate the site they may also have more access to older records than the average person. I hope you let us know your findings. Before you try to develop the property further I would make sure that no invasive ground works are done before this is properly investigated.
Yes, they may very well be on top of a previously existing structure which may even pre-date the moat. Many if not most of these chateaux are built upon the ruins including dungeons and tunnels of more ancient structures. Phil could even have an old Roman Garrison sitting nearby under the fields...and please remember, safety first.💗
I know that in some of the big stately manors in England they used to have servant's tunnels that they would enter to walk around and not be seen. If it is a lower level to the building, it could have been where they kept the meats, dairy, wine cool, etc., before refrigeration.
Wow can't wait to see that! Such a shame the caretaker is no longer with us but it sounds like he was an honest man so you have to believe what he said.
Wow! Why not break thru the concrete blocks where you store things?
I had to check the comments to see if anyone else came up with this idea. You could poke a hole in the walls and stick a camera in to get a preview that will let you know if you should continue.
@@nexussever Should is definitely the word
That's exactly what I looked in comments to find out.
Have you looked at drilling a hole through the blocked off tunnels so you can take a peek with your spy-scope? I would do it near the top center of the cinderblocks. At least you might be able to tell if there is anything on the other side.
Those vaulted tunnels must have been built before the Chateau was erected on top of them. I think that those 'tunnels' are actually the foundations of your Chateau. Some of the cotton mills in Lancashire were built on similar foundations. (I have been to a shooting range in one of them.) Once construction was complete, the tunnels would have been available for storage or whatever. Wine cellar? Cheese cellar? To me, a more interesting question is why they were blocked up. The Fall of France in 1940 was so sudden that it is unlikely that they could have been blocked in response to the defeat, it must have been done at a period of more leisure. Looking forward to seeing what you find.
Oh my goodness, if walls could talk! What an exciting discovery for you. This is exactly why owning a chateau in France is so exciting. My dad used to talk about hidden tunnels throughout France. He fought in France and Germany during WWII but he’s no longer with us. I wish I could ask him more about it. Well, you have a lot to discover in the coming years. Write it all down for the future, and you have these wonderful vlogs to document everything. Can’t wait to follow you as you uncover more history. xx
As others have said, ground penetrating radar is the way to go. The tunnels may extend into the grounds as well.
Instead of digging you can use ground penetrating radar to map the tunnels. We know the tunnels are backfilled, most likely is because of the moat leaking under the chateau, so if you excavate the tunnels, you will also have to drain the moat.
No the entrance is the only thing which is back filled; the rest is completely open still
@@ChateauLife The ground penetrating radar will show all the voids.
@@ChateauLife Since the stairway was flooded, it's likely that the tunnels that aren't back filled are also flooded. Getting access is only half the problem. Probably the easy half.
@@nobodyspecial4702 I think the pictures actually show the ladder sitting in water.
@@Ragnar8504 I noticed that too.
Hi I am Parisian but my father is from Mayenne. I love Mayenne as it is still "OLd France" and people are nice and quiet. Mayenne has so many castles and the "Bocage" landscape is really particular. Great job with the chateau !
Phil, this must be so exciting for you, but you need to do shed loads of research before you start digging up the chateau. Others have suggested ground radar, which would be a good idea if you are bringing in heavy equipment! You could find out if your source of info has children or other relatives that would be able to help you. There may be a local historical society that could also help you. As for Hitler visiting the chateau, this would be difficult to prove. Even his well photographed visit to Paris in 1940 only lasted 2 1/2 to 3 hours due to security concerns and there is confusion over the date either the 23rd or 28th June 1940. For Hitler to come so far west of Paris, it would need to be some special reason. Please remember that nasty things happened in the war, as we are seeing in poor Ukraine now, so you may find something you wished you hadn't. Just be prepared and good luck.
This is my first visit to this site, so my questions may have already been answered.
Approximately when was this château built?
WW2 wasn't the first time that residents of such places needed back up plans both for storing family treasures, and for spiriting away (prominent) family members.
Keep in mind that valuables such as table silver were not infrequently buried on the property and may remain there. (My source: a French antiquarian trained in old silver.)
What is known of those who built it?
Please do pay attention to the cautions being offered - there's too much at stake for amateur hour with a backhoe.
Good luck !
There is always a reason why there is no written documents for a safe haven.... What a great discovery that you have stubbled across , if it is safe to do so, I hope to see it too in your future vlog..
Have you asked neighbouring chateaux as they might have similar styled buildings and still have their tunnels open or perhaps know a bit of their history.
Perhaps there are still locals who either worked up at the chateau or played there as children who would know.
Lastly if the tunnels led away from the building there might be a metal hatch located somewhere in the grounds that a metal detector could find?
Wow, absolutely fascinating! Can't wait to see you explore the hidden tunnels, who knows what secrets they may hold. You and Billy could knock out the breeze blocks in your storage tunnel and see whats behind. Ooo exciting times ahead 💖💖
A mystery is always exciting !
So interesting. Exciting 🙏❤️⭐️😊💛
Interesting bit of history
Fascinating! Now, I'm curious to know what's underneath too. You need the help of a historian and a chateaux specialist to pierce that mystery. I think it's really important to know what those tunnels were used for. Could a TV channel be interested in discovering the secrets of the building? I do hope it reaches someone's ears who has the power to help out.
And those historians might have some more info on the history of your chateau. Alleviate some of the mystery that will happen when relying on hearsay alone.
You know the storage tunnel has one entrance I would start there, out of the way of everything. I know that old farmsteads had attics connected and tunnels connected to the wood sheds and animal shelters so people could get access in the worst weather. It's creepy that Hitler was in that town, what a force of evil . Plus the occupying forces often pitted mayor's or local gendarmes against the citizens or just murdered everyone so what a terrible story to pass down. I agree history should be documented ,but sometimes survivors just can't talk about it.
Wow, how exciting is that!!!!! I'm looking so forward to see what you find!!! Woo hoo!
How fascinating! They probably hid their valuables in there, paintings, furniture, jewelry, tapestries.
Time Team :P Seriously, the tunnels may extend under your terrace, and might be easier in case you hit the septic tank. Then you'd be in a whole lot of...um... :P I don't know about France, but there are Geophys companies in England that could use resistivity/magnetometer/GPR to look at things. Cost, however, is another thing. But if you can swing the money, they could survey at least the chateau area and give you some idea.
The other thing that you could do is map the tunnels that you know about, like that long one used for storage, and use the drone to look for any features that aren't immediately visible on the ground. To the right of the blocked-off doorway was what I thought was a window. A long drill bit and that camera you used in another video would give you an idea :)
I love the fascinating things found in old homes.
How fascinating all that history underground. It’s great how you young guys are interested in preserving these wonderful Chateaus and their secrets/ histories 👍
What a wonderful mystery! Can't wait for Billy and the digger to show up!
When I was younger we attended a school that was a WWII generals and we were never allowed to go into the basement and were told it was a torture chamber! Lol you know kids and that really scared us, but I am sure that was not the case, but still as an adult i often wondered. Definitely find out, I know I would be curious. Hugs and love from Texas!
Thanks for a very intriguing episode of Chateau Life! It would be interesting to know if the current chateau is built atop foundations of an older building, something that might explain some of what's going on underneath it. The moat might date from an earlier configuration, too. Most likely the circular stair down (now buried under the staircase addition) was accessible from inside the demolished wing and the area infilled by your septic tank contractors perhaps was an exterior entrance of some sort, suggesting the tunnels (and perhaps larger chambers) might have been used for storage and/or communication. I'm surprised that there's not an entrance in the neighborhood of the original kitchen which now, if I'm remembering correctly, is your exercise room. Whatever the case, in combination with the building's World War II history it's a fascinating puzzle.
I wonder if the bit they uncovered was actually ever an entrance or just a bit of tunnel ceiling that collapsed when they dug next to it. Hard to tell from the pictures but a secret entrance right outside the walls doesn't seem to make much sense.
Before you start digging, please consult a professional about technical ways to map out these tunnels. A “No-dig” survey.
I live in Chicago, and we had a really terrible situation with our abandoned tunnels in 1992. Repair work was being done on one of the bridges that spans the Chicago river when they accidentally punched through a wall of one of the abandoned tunnels. The water from the Chicago river went through all the interconnected tunnels under the city, flooding the basement of office buildings, department stores, the subway, etc.
I just happened to take that day off to move. I turned on the television and saw a news clip of my office building with water shooting up through our basement food court with fish in the water stream. It caused USD $4 billion in damage. The smell downtown for weeks was terrible.
Needless to say after that all those tunnels were sealed off.
Fascinating confirmation of the tunnels’ existence. Greatly look forward to what you eventually uncover. The relevant history of that time period has always been very important to me, in regard to my father’s growing up in France then.
Your sadly right about the fact that when people pass on, every peice of knowledge they hold passes on with them. Except for the few things that get passed on in various ways, the very few.
Vinny//phill how about using a ground penatrading radar b4 digging up stuff. Least you find a sort of blue print b4 digging into something & hurting yourself & digger. Least you spoke to caretaker b4 they passed.
Fascinating! Why do I keep getting an image of you and Billy smiling victoriously after having exposed all the tunnels. Then *poof* in a cloud of dust, the chateau becomes a pile of rubble filling in all the tunnels? Maybe I watched too many Looney Toons cartoons as a child. 🤣 Not to worry, Angelina, they're curious but not stupid. 😘Can't wait to see more.
Great vlog so exciting can’t wait to see more thanks for sharing
This is very exciting; I can't wait to see what secrets you uncover as your journey begins. This is going to amazing.
Love this vid! Recording the local oral history is so vital-feeling the same way about our local village and trying to get a project started to film interviews with the village elders before it’s too late. Good luck Phil-can’t wait to see what you discover!
Brilliant can’t wait 👏👏👏👏👏
Great episode, Phil. My imagination goes wild thinking about what might be in those tunnels. I look forward to seeing your off-season digging with Billy.
I feel sick at thought of what might be in there. Knowing what we know now about underground "rabbit warrens" linking grand houses of not too distant eras.
I can't wait!!!! I love a good mystery and that's what you are living over. I would be itching to go exploring and I can tell you are just as excited.
Wow, wow, wow, get digging, very intrigued
Utterly fascinating
Would you be able to drill a hole in the concrete blocks and stick one of those tiny cameras to see behind. I think Billy has one of those cameras. That way you don’t have to destroy the blocks if the tunnel is collapsed then all you have done was to drilled a tiny hole.
Such fascinating find. I wander if they were done when the chateau was built, most likely, why were tunnels built for them? Functional use? When we lived in Germany, our landlord spoke briefly about his time in service during WWII, however, he refused to talk no more of it and was extremely adamant about it. My husband being a huge history buff would ask him for more info. He became a bit stern to talk about it no longer.
Fascinating history. Enjoying the Chateau DIY on the TV. You did have so many problems with the faulty tools Phil, looking forward to seeing you both more.
How exciting, network of tunnels, do you not have the plans for your chateau the original deeds so to speak, would they not have the plans of the build.
Gosh, you’re a good guy Phil!
Oooo Fun you and Billy exploring tunnels - that will be fun.
Very exciting Phil, but all in good time once the event season is over.....can't wait!!!
Oh my goodness Phil I can hardly wait to see what is found under the Chateau. I hope there is something of value that can be found that you can use or sell. I know you and Angelina are beyond excited to explore and see what you can find !!!! Just don't let the Chateau fall into a abyss by digging too many holes. lol..lol.. God Bless, Kathy 🇺🇸
My family is from France, some of the family left for America just before the war. One went to Germany to fight the war from inside. Three family members stayed behind to keep things running and what they were hiding safe from the nazis. Much of the “secret places”weren’t recorded on purpose. They didn’t want the Germans to get to “the good stuff” so they would create the tunnels fill them and block them up putting features that would cover but not cave in the tunnels. My family owned hotels across France and had tunnels, hidden passage ways and hidden attic spaces all over the hotels for artwork, historical objects as well as to hide people. Usually only family members or completely trusted employees knew about these hiding places. My Grandfather showed me photos of the hotels and how my Great grandmother burned down one of the hotels that the Nazi’s were planning to take over. She was a tough lady. 5 sons and one Daughter.
Exciting Phil,can't wait to see also.
Oh my! This is exciting! I hope and pray there are survivors who have heard the stories and will come forward. Can't wait to see what's down there! History, good and bad, is valuable!
How exciting! I hope you find out more information about your beautiful home! Can’t wait to see what you discover.
Brilliant. I hope you get answers from people. X
WOW FASCINATING MY HEART WAS RACING LOLO. AND ITS NOT EVEN MY PLACE
One of your most captivating videos to date... cannot wait to know more.
How exciting phil
Of all the chateau blogs I watch I find this house and land the most beautiful.
Wow that's awesome, hope you and Billy dig it up and find treasure
The treasure of such an underground, or any old structure come to that, is the building practices used and the original purpose of the tunnels, so they have found 'the treasure' already. It would also be a very good revenue earner through the historical information and excavations if done right, with bringing on board interested parties and viewing figures.
What about the previous owners or their relatives. Other chateau owners close by
Good question.
I believe that exploring the Tunnels is Necessary for the safety of the Chateau, because if the foundations that the building is sitting on top of are not sturdy enough to support it then the whole place is in danger.
How interesting I love learning about the history of buildings
Look forward to seeing the come to light🤗🌄🤗
Love Sue❤❤❤🇬🇧❤❤❤
Curious when building permits first became required in French municipalities and if there would be records of your tunnels or more recently the septic system.
Do you suppose there are building permits for all the tunnels under houses surrounding the play boy mansion?
Do you think there are building permits for warren buffets home in Omaha with tunnels?
@@pattijesinoski1958 France is not as tightly regulated as England, but never had the laissez-faire attitude of the USA.
How exciting 🤗🤗🤗🤗
How fascinating.
great News ,i am happy for you and god luck❤️🥂
Thank you for your meaningful Vlog. It's good to be in touch with emotions that affect our life. It's very exciting
to find the tunnels! All the secrets these old chateaus hold! Carry on!💕
Great ! They all have secrets in the walls and ceiling and underneath ! Secret passages to the unknown or for the safety of the family ! something's should always be a secret !
Metal detecting !!
It’s so exciting Carnt wait to come on your exploring journey with you finding these tunnels and seeing them take care
Wow Philly, that’s amazing!
How exciting! The tunnels have been there for years, they will wait for you to discover them! (But you don't have to like waiting!!)
ty for the explaination Phil xx
The underground tunnels served two purposes in French and Belgium chateaus and castles. 1. Cold storage and wine cellars. 2. The most important one for the people who lived there, escape. Many of the original chateaus were destroyed during the hundred year war and for centuries to come the inhabitants of these glorious buildings ( old and new) needed a way out and fast if necessary. T
he tunnels would usually run north and south straight under the moat.
That's pretty cool! This will be interesting!
Very intriguing Phil. I don’t blame you wanting to reveal what secrets lie beneath the chateau and grounds.
One can only wonder who in the 1940’s stayed there, if Hitler did indeed stay then which room did he sleep in?
Very exciting 😃😃. Judy
What a Charming place!
That is very intriguing and interesting Phil. It will be awesome to see and hear more.
I agree with the previous comments about getting a ground penetrating radar and getting students from Universities to assist with historical research. Good luck with trying to find out more about your beautiful chateau. Thanks for sharing 😍😘
Looking at your chateau from the drone shot, you really could rebuild the old wing and add a terrace garden in front of it. You might lose a tree or two but you would probably lose them anyway if you were under construction. I know this video is quite a few months ago but I just watched your video from today (or yesterday) and see that you're looking for a project. I think I would work on rebuilding that wing and after find another chateau to restore...it's possibly that the one you're looking at will still be available.
I think I'd be knocking through those block walls.
Check out tartaria and mudflood about hidden catastrophy. ♥ I have been waiting for a chateau to have old architecture hidden away. You win! Think about how long it would take to build those tunnels? Why would they go to all that trouble?
Dear Phil, what an adventure! I'm so happy for your new journey. Excavating, oh my. We will all be wishing away our summer just so we can explore with you. Hugs💞
Consider there is probably a way to get into the tunnels from inside the house. A secret closet a pantry with a false back...as always the library...keep looking.....
Dig up the entrance in the courtyard. Take your time, once it has been cleared and you have access you will be able to see into the tunnels. Your never going to know till you give it a go.
Fascinating Phillip -can’t wait to find out what comes up next!!
Wow how exciting x
I'm excited to see what your tunnels are like when you are able to open them up.
Wow. What a mystery to solve ! Made the older caretaker had journals he kept or photographed , that his family may share with you
Get access to a Horizontal Directional Drilling machine,
and Get an endoscope on a long LONG reel on umbilical-cord.
You will probably find a "Y" in a tunnel
leading to an alternative entrance/exit, possibly just bricked over,
redundancy is usually considered to be an essential safety feature.
(Do you have ANY cellars under the main building ?)
A site plan (map) - Birds Eye View -
Might make it very obvious where the tunnels lead to/from.
Was the MOAT DRY when the Tunnels were created ?.
Is the ground "Water-Logged" ?
Might some of it be "Cut-and-Cover" ?
Has the ground ever been recontoured ?
In the early hours of the night, in Summer,
after dark,
get up high (upstairs windows ?)
and look at the grounds through a good-quality
infra-red thermal-imaging system,
to see if there are obvious patterns in the soil.
Often shallow buried tunnels are quite visible,
because of different "thermal mass" (heat-sink) attributes.
It sounds like a buried cellar foundation. Great for storing wine etc
Ooo I love a good mystery!
So exciting 😊😊😊😊😊😊
Morning Philip, what a grand story. A pity about the lacking of information regarding your Chateau. I am sure there will be information out there to work on. Maybe the big library, sometimes they have information that is kept away from the general public and perhaps they have what you need. I am sure, you will find what is necessary. Wishing you all the best, be careful who you allow to excavate and take care. Kind regards.