The Georgian house hiding a big secret…

Since 1686, the goings on at 17 Blossom Street have been York’s best kept secret. A secret that remained hidden for hundreds of years, until its residents felt safe enough to reveal it. To the outside world, this house was York’s first school for girls. To those in the know, it was hiding an illegal convent.

The English Reformation saw Catholicism banned and punishable by death, but this group of brave and determined women built a convent, including an entire chapel, under the watchful eyes of all of their suspicious neighbours. Today, more than 300 years later, it is the oldest active convent in England.

Discover this remarkable story of survival through stunning artefacts and engaging interactives in our fascinating exhibition. With special activities for our younger visitors, an award-winning café and garden, the Bar Convent is a unique experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Exhibition open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm (with last admissions from 4pm) - family tickets are just £10 (2 adults and 2 children).

For more information, please see our website (www.bar-convent.org.uk) or call 01904 643 238.