Historic event at UK's oldest living convent

The Historic Vestments

This August, the three priestly vestments designed and worn for the secret opening Mass in the UK's oldest living convent will go on display together in the chapel for the first time since 1769, as part of the York Georgian Festival.

The Bar Convent, York, was first established in 1686 when the Catholic faith was illegal. The chapel was built in complete secrecy and took 20 years to complete. The first Mass was held on 29 April 1769, and the vestments were only worn together in the chapel on that occasion.

Since then, one vestment has been on display in the Bar Convent's exhibition, but the remaining two have been in the possession of different churches - until now.

Special Collections Manager, Dr Hannah Thomas said: "Historically, these three vestments have been lent to different churches in the city, and it has taken some time to arrange for their return to their original home. These incredibly significant vestments were designed and made as a set specifically for the opening of this very special chapel and we are both thrilled and moved to be able to share this historic reunion with the public.

"The vestments will be displayed behind the altar in the chapel where they were first worn together more than 250 years ago, at great risk to the priests and all those who attended.

"Not only have these Georgian vestments survived a time in which Catholic material was regularly seized and destroyed, but the fact that the chapel and the convent have also survived against all the odds is an incredible story that we will be highlighting as part of the inaugural York Georgian Festival 2023."

The display will take place from August 3-5. Please note, on August 5 the chapel is only open from 2pm-5pm

Ticketed Events:

Private View

Thursday 3rd August, 5:30pm- 7pm, £15pp

Join us for an exclusive and unique evening to witness an historic moment in the Bar Convent's story. Guests are invited to see the vestments and enjoy private access to the house where they can discover the fascinating story behind our Georgian architecture, including our secret 18th century chapel, with an introduction to the history of the house and the vestments by Dr Hannah Thomas. A glass of fizz is included on arrival.

Tickets can be booked through the Bar Convent website.

Talk

Secrecy & Survival: Georgian York Through the Eyes of a Catholic Convent

August 5, 2023 12.30pm - 1.30pm, £10pp, includes admission to the exhibition following the talk.

This expert talk will explore the world of Georgian York, seen through the eyes of a secret Catholic convent. How did the sisters run an illegal convent under the nose of the authorities without being caught? How did they construct a secret Catholic chapel? What did the rest of York think about what was happening on C18th Blossom Street? Featuring little-known items from our collections, join our Special Collections Manager Dr Hannah Thomas as we delve in to the archives to find out more.

Please note: On Saturday, 5 August, the chapel is open from 2pm-5pm

Tickets can be booked through the Bar Convent website: www.bar-convent.org.uk

Read more about York Georgian Festival: www.visityork.org/events/category/york-georgian-festival