The Bar Convent
17 Blossom Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AQ, UK
Tel: 01904 643238
Fax: 01904 631792

The Bar Convent Museum outlines the early history of Christianity in the North of England and tells the story of Mary Ward, foundress of a religious congregation formerly known as the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and now renamed the Congregation of Jesus. She was a pioneer both of women's education and apostolic religious orders for women.

Her fascinating life story is told in a series of 50 pictures, which are reproduced in the Museum. They illustrate her search for a way to serve God, the Church and her countrymen and women, in a period of religious persecution and wars in Europe. Mary died in 1645 during the Civil War in England, but after her death her companions continued her work.

The design of the beautiful Bar Convent Chapel is displayed in the Museum and further information about the chapel can be found on our History page. The Bar Convent Gallery is equipped to display exhibitions from a wide range of interests. A 45 minute video (spoken by Dame Judi Dench) covering the history of the Bar Convent is available for viewing. Collections, displays of art or ceramics are held from time to time. Interested parties should contact the Bar Convent.

The Crucifixion by Eustache Le Soeur (1616/17:1665) was sold to the National Gallery in 1994 for the support of the Bar Convent. A copy is on display in the Gallery.

Our well-stocked shop is an ideal place for small, quality gifts or cards. There is a stock of religious items also and a series of booklets on the history of the Congregation of Jesus and the Bar Convent itself. If you are looking for something a little different it is well worth a visit.

Museum & Convent Tours:
Monday to Friday at 10:30 and 14:30 except for Bank Holidays.
Closed Bank Holidays, throughout Easter and 20 December - 3 January.
Large groups should phone and book in advance.

Admission to the Museum & the Gallery:
Admission to the Museum, Gallery and Chapel is FREE to all visitors.

The Bar Convent is the oldest living convent in England, established in 1686. It now offers a variety of award winning facilities for the general public, businesses and historians alike.

There is a fascinating museum bringing the history of the Bar Convent to life. The beautiful chapel is open throughout the day and serious research students may apply for access to the extensive library & archives.

The Bar Convent is conveniently situated in central York, close to Micklegate. Most tourist attractions, shops and museums as well as the River Ouse are all only a short walk away.

For those who arrive by Rail, the station is five minutes walk from here. Turn right out of the station and walk towards the traffic lights. The Bar Convent is across the lights on the corner of Nunnery Lane and Blossom Street.

There is a Pay & Display Long Stay car park just opposite the Bar Convent on Nunnery Lane. This car park now has facilities to Park and Pay by phone on arrival.

The number to call is 0870 4283854. Quote location number 7709 and you will be able to select the number of hours you wish to pay for using your credit/debit card.

If this car park is full then alternative parking is available at the railway station.

There is also an excellent Park and Ride bus service from Askham Bar (A1036 south) which stops directly outside the Convent.

Tourist Attractions in York include:

CITY CENTRE
  • Archaelogical Resource Centre
  • Assembly Rooms
  • Bar Convent Museum
  • Barley Hall
  • Bridges of York
  • Clifford's Tower
  • Ghost Hunt of York
  • Jórvík, The Viking City
  • The King's Manor
  • Medieval churches of York
  • Merchant Adventurers' Hall
  • Merchant Taylors' Hall
  • Micklegate Bar Museum
  • Museum Gardens
  • National Centre for Early Music, home of the York Early Music Festival
  • National Railway Museum
  • St George's York
  • St Mary's Abbey
  • St. Michael le Belfrey
  • The Shambles
  • The Snickelways
  • Treasurer's House
  • York Castle Museum
  • York City Art Gallery
  • York City Walls (Including Monk Bar Museum)
  • York Dungeon
  • York Minster
  • Yorkshire Museum
  • Yorkshire Wheel


OUTSIDE YORK CITY CENTRE
  • Askham Bogs
  • Askham Bryan Hall
  • Bishopthorpe Palace
  • Elvington Hall
  • Heslington Hall
  • The Knavesmire
  • Lamel Hill
  • Middlethorpe Hall, Middlethorpe Manor
  • Osbaldwick Hall
  • Skelton Hall, Skelton Manor
  • Strays of York
  • Vale of York
  • York Cemetery
  • York Racecourse
  • Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington
  • Yorkshire Museum of Farming, Murton
 

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