Ahidden compartment orsecret compartment is 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 room orsecret room, and can range from parts of smallwardrobes or closets understaircases to entirebasements or even largemountain complexes. Hidden rooms are often accessed via a hidden door, which for example can be camouflaged as abookshelf or atrapdoor in the floor. Hidden rooms can for example be used as arefuge,media room,larder orwine cellar.
The term hidden compartment can also refer to smaller storage places for valuables and personal belongings in furniture (such ascabinet compartments),trap compartments in vehicles,false bottoms in containers, and various otherconcealment devices.
In 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.
| Shared rooms | |
|---|---|
| Private rooms | |
| Spaces | |
| Technical,utility andstorage | |
| Great house areas | |
| Other | |
| Architectural elements | |
| Related | |
