Two Houses, One Story: York’s Forgotten Women

Discover the shared history of strong Catholic women at two of York’s most iconic houses - Fairfax House and the Bar Convent!

This exciting collaboration explores the intertwining story of two Catholic houses; one a secret convent operating a pioneering school for girls, the other belonging to a prominent local Catholic family. Recently discovered documents, beautiful portraits and intriguing artefacts give new insight into the lives of these exceptional local women. It will explore how they navigated their faith during an era of suspicion, and how some were linked to dangerous underground activity which ultimately aided the survival of the Catholic faith in York and beyond.

At Fairfax House find out all about the limited life choices woman, like Ann Fairfax, faced in the eighteenth century – as well as discovering more the Catholic networks in York and how this clandestine community supported each other.

At the Bar Convent, explore the early years of the Fairfax daughters who attended the school, how and why their grandmother Lady Hungate lived at the house for 29 years and the significance and legacy of this alliance.

Visit one house and receive 30% off admission to the other through showing your ticket on entry.

If you would like to pre-book your tickets to Fairfax House, please click here.

Please note, the 30% off can only be applied when walking in. If you visit the Bar Convent first between 2nd March and 27th April, please walk in to Fairfax House, where your discount will be applied.

More information on the Bar Convent can be found by clicking here.

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