The Bar Convent Heritage Centre is a 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, a café and garden, the Bar Convent is a unique experience for the whole family.

York Trailblazers - A Civic Trust and Make it York project

The Bar Convent are thrilled to announce that Mary Ward (1585-1645) has been selected as an official ‘York Trailblazer’ and will feature in the citywide sculpture trail in 2024. Working with All Saints School, the Bar Convent have been campaigning to raise awareness of this incredible woman and we couldn’t be happier that she has been given this recognition. The trail has been enhanced with an exciting and inclusive city-wide events and activities celebrating York’s heritage.

Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable adventure as we introduce the captivating York Trailblazers—a thrilling city-wide programme that will ignite your imagination. Brought to you by Make It York and York Civic Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this extraordinary initiative will celebrate York's heritage like never before.

Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey along our magnificent sculpture trail, set to transform the very heart of our city. A vibrant tapestry of awe-inspiring Tansy Beetle sculptures, each one a unique tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped York's history.

Known as “The Jewel of York”, the endangered Tansy Beetle has been chosen as the emblem of the Trailblazer project, reflecting its special status as a York resident given its riverside habitat along the banks of the River Ouse. The Tansy Beetle’s perseverance echoes the rich history of people from York who have blazed trails locally, nationally and globally, leading the way in their spheres of influence to make the world a better place.