Ahidden compartmentorsecret compartmentis a compartment whose existence or access is not obvious at first glance, and can be used as a hiding place for objects or sometimes even for people.
A hidden compartment where people can stay is usually referred to as ahidden roomorsecret room,and can range from parts of smallwardrobesor closets understaircasesto entirebasementsor even largemountain complexes.Hidden rooms are often accessed via a hidden door, which for example can be camouflaged as abookshelfor atrapdoorin the floor. Hidden rooms can for example be used as arefuge,media room,larderorwine cellar.
The term hidden compartment can also refer to smaller storage places for valuables and personal belongings in furniture (such ascabinet compartments),trapcompartments in vehicles,false bottomsin containers, and various otherconcealment devices.
History
editIn the 1500s and 1600s, hidden rooms were created in British castles to hide Catholic priests; these were referred to aspriest holes.
During theprohibition era,there were several examples of hidden rooms being used for storing alcohol or as entrances tosecret bars.[citation needed]
In 1978, in connection with the police investigation ofHans Otto Meyer,a secret room was found where Meyer kept weapons for what he claimed was a secret emergency preparedness organization under theNorwegian Armed Forces' intelligence services associated withNATOsStay Behind.[1][2][3]
In recent years, there have been examples of several companies specializing in making hidden rooms,[4][5]as well as private individuals who have made improvised solutions, either for fun or for security in case of burglary.
See also
edit- Concealment device
- False bottom
- Mezzanine,an intermediate floor in a building
- Multifunctional furniture
- Panic room
- Priest hole,a hiding place for Catholic priests, built in many Catholic houses during the 1500s and 1600s in England
- Secret passage,a hidden route for stealthy travel, escape, or movement of people and goods
- Tunnels in popular culture
References
edit- ^Secret Anti-Communist Network Exposed in Norway in 1978
- ^NATO's Secret Armies - Operation Gladio and Terrorism in Western Europe
- ^"Ian McShane Salutes Sean Connery at the AFI Life Achievement Award",via YouTube
- ^"This Company Will Build Secret Passageways in Your Home",Nerdist
- ^"This company will build a secret passageway in your house".Business Insider.Archivedfrom the original on 2022-07-30.