Barley Hall

Barley Hall is a reconstructed medieval townhouse in the heart of York, England, listed as a Grade II building. Today it operates as a museum that shows what life was like in an English city in the late Middle Ages.

Where is Barley Hall?

The house sits on Coffee Yard, a narrow passage running off Stonegate, one of York's most atmospheric streets. The entrance is easy to miss, as the building is tucked between neighbouring properties. It makes a good stop on a walk through the old town, between York Minster and the city's other sights. The nearest car park, Marygate, is about ten minutes away on foot.

What is the history of the building?

Monks of Nostell Priory, near Wakefield, built the house around 1360 as a base in York. A new wing was added in the 15th century, around 1430. In the later part of that century it was home to the goldsmith and Lord Mayor of York, William Snawsell. In time the property became expensive to maintain and was let to tenants, who altered and extended it.

Over the following centuries the house declined. By the 20th century it had been subdivided and its condition kept worsening. The last tenant, a plumber, left in 1985, and the building was then due to be demolished and replaced with offices and flats.

How was Barley Hall saved?

In 1987 York Archaeological Trust bought the house. It was renamed Barley Hall and rebuilt as a museum. The restoration drew debate: only about 30 percent of the original timber could be saved, and the rest was made anew using traditional carpentry methods. The result gives the interiors the feel of medieval construction.

What can you see inside?

Visitors move through rooms furnished as they might have looked in the 15th century. They include the Great Hall, a parlour, a pantry and several bedchambers. The building also hosts temporary exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Barley Hall an original building? Partly. It stands on the site of a 14th-century house and retains some historic structure, but much of the timber was recreated during the reconstruction.

Who built it? Monks of Nostell Priory, around 1360.

Who runs it today? York Archaeological Trust, which bought the building in 1987.

Should I check opening hours and prices? Yes. They change, so check the official Barley Hall or York Archaeological Trust website before your visit.

How long does a visit take? It is a small site, so a short visit is usually enough. It combines easily with a stroll along Stonegate and the nearby lanes.

Why visit Barley Hall?

It is a rare chance to step into a house that has watched the city change for more than six hundred years and now lets you feel the atmosphere of old York. The story of its rescue from demolition also shows how much work it takes to protect historic architecture.