Bar Convent

Bar Convent in York is a historic convent just outside Micklegate Bar, on Blossom Street, and the oldest surviving Catholic convent in the British Isles. Founded in 1686, it now works as a living heritage centre where you can visit a museum, see a Georgian chapel, eat in a café and even stay the night.

What is the Bar Convent?

The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre grew out of a community of Catholic women who settled in York at a time when English law forbade Catholic convents. The community therefore had to be founded and run in secret. Its founders had already opened a school for girls in Hammersmith, London, in 1679, and the school in York became the second of its kind in the country. According to the sources, the women lived discreetly and wore ordinary clothes to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Why is it worth visiting?

The story of quiet survival under a hostile legal system is the main draw. The museum exhibition explains the history of the convent and the wider history of Christianity in the north of England, including the experience of religious persecution. If you enjoy history that focuses on ordinary people rather than kings and battles, this is one of the more unusual stops in York.

The buildings were later redesigned in a Georgian style by the architect Thomas Atkinson. The most celebrated part is the domed neo-classical chapel, whose dome rests on fluted columns. The chapel was designed to blend into its surroundings, a reminder of the period when Catholic worship had to stay out of sight. Sources disagree on the exact year it was completed, so check with the centre if the date matters to you.

What can you do there?

• Explore the museum exhibition about the convent and its history.
• Visit the chapel and the historic rooms.
• Have a drink or a light meal in the café, which visitors describe as simple and good value.
• Buy a souvenir in the gift shop.
• Book a bed and breakfast room. The complex has around 18 rooms, which makes it possible to sleep inside a convent with more than three centuries of history.
• Hire a meeting room or conference space, as the centre also serves local groups.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The Bar Convent stands just outside the city walls, next to Micklegate Bar, one of the historic medieval gateways to York. It is within easy walking distance of the railway station and the city centre, so it fits well into a walking route that follows the walls or covers the old town.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Bar Convent? It was founded in 1686 and is described as the oldest surviving Catholic convent in the British Isles.

Can you stay overnight? Yes. The centre offers bed and breakfast accommodation.

Is there somewhere to eat? Yes, there is a café on site, along with a gift shop.

Do I need to check anything before going? Opening hours, chapel access and ticket prices can change, so look at the official website of the Bar Convent before your visit.