THE EXHIBITION

Exhibition Closed: Monday 24th Feb – Re-Opening Saturday 5th April 2025. 

Sorry we are closing the Exhibition to install our exciting new Treasures Gallery and will be revealing our recently discovered Medieval Scroll soon.

The Shop, Georgian Parlour, and the rest of the Centre will continue to remain open during this time.

Find out about our story: Opening Saturday 5 April 2025: New Treasures Gallery Revealing York’s World Class Medieval Scroll – Bar Convent 

Step into a world of secrecy and spies as you explore the impact of the Tudor monarchs on Catholicism, York and the founding sisters of our house.

Discover fascinating artefacts from the reformation, interactives including a priest’s hole, and the stories of those who continued to practice their faith despite the dangers.

Meet Yorkshire woman Mary Ward (1585-1645). Find out how she faced fierce opposition from the Church authorities in her beliefs that religious women should be able work as missionaries- and how she insisted that girls should receive the same education as boys.

Her followers established this secret convent, and the first schools for girls in the country- but how were they never discovered? Visit the exhibition to find out!