About the Bar Convent...

The Bar Convent is steeped in history and is the oldest living Catholic convent in England.

In 1686 Frances Bedingfield, a member of Mary Ward's Institute (founded in 1609) came with a small group of nuns to purchase a modest 17th century house standing outside Micklegate Bar and the city walls.

At this time of persecution for Catholics it was a secret community, known as "The Ladies of the Bar" under which title they set up a boarding school and a free day school for Catholic girls. After initial difficulties the community and the school prospered, and the original house was replaced by the present 18th century buildings.

The schools eventually merged to become "The Bar Convent Grammar School" which was transferred to the Diocese of Middlesbrough and became part of the comprehensive All Saints Catholic School in 1985.

The fine 18th century buildings (Grade 1 and Grade 2*) are now held by the Bar Convent Trust as a registered charity. They are open to the public for interest, education and enjoyment, and include:

• The 19th century entrance hall roofed by G.T.Andrews
• The hidden neo-classical chapel built in 1769 by Thomas Atkinson
• The museum galleries and the "great parlour" with its historic portraits
• The Hindley clock (1770) over the front door, still in good working order
• The libraries and archives, open to research scholars and students on application.
  

Several well-equipped conference rooms are available for hire by charities, companies, institutions etc. Catering is provided and residential accommodation for individuals or groups can be arranged.

The Bar Convent has received many local, regional and national awards for the facilities and services it offers.

The Bar Convent is an ideal setting for corporate events, dinners, wedding and christening receptions, exhibitions, flower festivals and concerts.

The Bar Convent has so much to offer visitors to York and business people alike. Please do contact us for any further information on how we can help you.