COLLECTIONS
When the Convent was established, it was one of only two permanent Catholic communities in England, both of which were run by the sisters of this congregation.
As such, this building became a place of safety for precious relics and other Catholic objects to be looked after. Many families that had kept these items hidden away for generations returned them to the church by giving them to the convent, and the sisters here became the guardians of the church’s legacy.
The Micklegate area of York in particular was central to the Catholic community as it was just outside the city walls and therefore just outside the jurisdiction of the city authorities who were responsible for finding and prosecuting Catholics.
Archives
Library
Objects & Relics
House
The building is Grade 1 listed, which means it is deemed to be of ‘exceptional interest’, and is therefore protected.
The house you see today spans from a Georgian frontage, parlour and chapel, with a Victorian Atrium and more recent updates, built upon the original footprint. You will find original features throughout including our famous Maw-tiled floor, Coalbrookdale furniture, Country Chippendale, architectural features designed by G T Andrews (best-known for his designs of railway stations), beautiful clocks including some from famous clock-maker Henry Hindley, and even an original priest’s hiding hole.
Research enquiries and visits
If you would like to make a research appointment to use the collections, please email research@barconvent.co.uk or use the adjacent form,stating your area of interest and how the Bar Convent’s collections will be of relevance to your work. Student applications should be accompanied by a letter of support from an academic supervisor.
Please note that this is a private collection, and as such, access is not guaranteed. If a visit is not possible, the Collections Team are able to carry out some research on your behalf, please get in touch to discuss your needs.
