Object and Relic Collection
Our diverse collection of objects and relics reveal and reflect the histories of Catholic faith, culture, and education. This collection has been built over centuries, and includes many treasures, such as a magnificent medieval processional cross, early modern relics which tell stories of faith and courage, exquisitely embroidered Georgian vestments, charismatic portraits of key figures from our history, and items made and used by twentieth-century school pupils.
Many of our objects are on permanent display in our state-of-the-art interactive exhibition, including a stunning Treasures Gallery which has a rare medieval scroll at its centre and a number of important objects around it. Many of these objects have little or no provenance, a deliberate choice to protect the identity of those who risked their lives to keep them safe in Elizabethan and Tudor England.
Research enquiries and visit
Researchers are welcome to make appointments to study our Object and Relic Collection. While you will be able to see many fascinating objects from our collection by visiting our Exhibition, other objects are not on display.
If you would like to make a research appointment to study the Object and Relic Collection, or to discuss what holdings we have in relation to specific research topics, please email research@barconvent.co.uk or complete the contact form on this page. Please state your area of interest and how the Bar Convent’s collections will be of relevance to your research. Applications from students should be accompanied by a letter of support from an academic supervisor.
Please note that this is a private collection. Access is not guaranteed and is only permitted at the discretion of the Congregation of Jesus (English Province). Visits must be arranged in advance, and each enquiry will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If a research visit is not possible, the Collections Team are able to carry out some research on your behalf, so please do get in touch to discuss your requirements.