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 Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story (16 September- 05 December) takes visitors beyond the legend of Guy Fawkes to explore the events surrounding 5 November 1605.
Through rare objects, brand-new interpretation and human storytelling, discover how the plot echoed across the country, left its mark on York, and shaped the lives of the courageous women who founded this remarkable house in its wake.
Dr Hannah Thomas, Special Collections Manager at the Bar Convent, said: “Remember, remember 5th November, gunpowder, treason and plot; we all know the rhyme, we have heard of Guy Fawkes and we mark Bonfire Night with fireworks, but how much do you really know about the context, conspiracy and consequences surrounding The Gunpowder Plot?
“The Gunpowder Plot is part of York’s rich history and here at the Bar Convent we are in a unique position to host this new exhibition; not only is York the city that many key figures called home, but the Bar Convent was established in the shadows of the plot when the Catholic faith was still illegal.
“We are privileged to have significant objects linked to the plot in our collections including the Gunpowder Crucifix which belonged to York priest Edward Oldcorne. He was hanged drawn and quartered in the aftermath of the plot and incredibly the cross is the only object to have survived the raids on Catholic properties following the plot’s discovery.
“Items produced secretly at the time to remember Margaret Clitherow’s death in 1585 will be on display, and visitors can also visit her relic, which is housed in the convent’s secret chapel. Objects in the exhibition that were used to hold secret Catholic Mass also give fascinating insight into the context of the lives of Catholics at the time.
“Visitors can also enhance their visit with a new self-led walking trail to discover the key locations and iconic landmarks that give context to the plot and delve deeper by joining us for a lunchtime talk or our evening event.
“Whether you are a local, visiting York, part of a group or looking for school holiday activities, don’t miss the opportunity to discover our exhibition space transformed to tell the story of The Gunpowder Plot like never before!”
Sister Ann Stafford, Local Superior, added: “This exhibition is a testament to the courageous women who secretly founded this house in the wake of the plot, and the people who came before them.
“With a fascinating exhibition, café, hidden chapel and even a guest house on site, the Bar Convent is the perfect place to discover how the events of 1605 left a mark on our city and shaped our community today.”
The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story is included in admission to the exhibition. Monday- Saturday 10am-5pm (Last admission to the exhibition is 4pm)
Programme of events
The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story
16 September- 05 December
Context. Conspiracy. Consequence.
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, a new compelling exhibition takes visitors beyond the legend of Guy Fawkes to explore the events surrounding 5th November 1605.
Admission applies. Monday- Saturday, 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)
Museum Lates
Tuesday 3 November, from 6pm
Join us for a new and unique event with after-hours access to the fascinating exhibition The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story.
Ticketed event, alcoholic or soft drink included. Tickets go on sale from 1 October
Lunchtime Talk: The Gunpowder Crucifix
5 November, 1pm
Delve deeper into the story behind Edward Oldcorne’s crucifix- the only survivor of the raids on Catholic properties following The Gunpowder Plot. Discover how and why its owner was hanged, drawn and quartered despite his innocence, how it came to be in the convent’s collections and more.
Included in admission to the exhibition, allow 20-30 minutes.
The Gunpowder Plot walking trail
Walk in the footsteps of the Gunpowder Plotters on this fascinating self-guided trail through the historic streets of York. Visit key locations and iconic landmarks that give context to one of the most dramatic events in British history.
Self-guided, free, more information on the website.
You can book tickets now for entry to the exhibition. 16 September – 05 December.