Bar-Convent.org.uk - Information about the oldest living convent in England
Title
Bar Convent York, North Yorkshire - Museum, B&B Accommodation, Conference Facilities, Cafe
Description
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.
