Established in 1686, at a time when it was illegal to be Catholic, a group of religious sisters, now known as the Congregation of Jesus, opened this secret convent. Today, as the oldest living convent in the UK, we welcome the public to explore our rich and unique history.
WELCOME TO THE UK’S OLDEST LIVING CONVENT…
Discover our story of secrecy, spies and survival in our fascinating exhibition and stunning 18th Century Hidden Chapel.
Enjoy a visit to our café for some of the best scones and cakes in the city and don’t miss the chance to stay in our award-winning Guest House situated in the heart of York.
• House
• Library
• Archives
• Contact us
• A brief history
• Work with us
• Volunteer
EXHIBITION
ROOMS
Mary Ward for Saint
York Mystery Plays
York Georgian Festival
Latest news
The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story
Context. Conspiracy. Consequence. 16 September- 05 December This Autumn, experience a unique retelling of one of the most dramatic events in British history- in the city where it all began. Set against the turbulent backdrop of post- reformation York, The...
The Next Hot Trend Might Just Be ‘Nun Girl Summer’
A Sister shared her rules to try it without joining a convent. By Amy Glover Huffpost Yes, some Gen Z trends, like obscure internet slang, are the kind of thing you’d expect from a younger generation. But others – like a rise in birdwatching and a newfound fixation on...
The Life of a CJ Sister
At the Bar Convent, we often share the stories of our founders. Pioneers like Mary Ward navigated an unpredictable world. However, our history lives beyond the archives. We are, after all, a living heritage centre. This work continues through women who call the Bar...
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