Come discover and explore York’s fascinating history at Barley Hall. It’s a stunning medieval house, once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York and dates back to 1360.

Lost in time, Barley Hall is truly one of the hidden gems of things to see in York, rediscovered behind the walls of an old office block.

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Hidden down a hidden alleyway between Stonegate and Grape Lane lies one of York’s most glorious secrets, Barley Hall is a reconstructed medieval townhouse, a hidden gem right in the heart of the city of York, England. It was built around 1360 by the monks of Nostell Priory near Wakefield and extended in the 15th century. The property went into a slow decline and by the 20th century was sub-divided and in an increasingly poor physical condition.

Visitors can explore the history of York through the drama of Shakespeare at a brand new exhibition, Bard at Barley Hall. Explore costumes from popular plays, including Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, dress up and perform your own scenes on the interactive stage, and view exhibits from York Archaeological Trust’s own collections. 

Barley Hall is part of the JORVIK Group which is the collective name for five of the most exciting visitor attractions in York. The group included DIG: An Archaeological Adventure, Barley Hall.

Come and see this beautiful Hall which was once home to Master William Snawsell, the Lord Mayor of York in the Middle Ages. Every room has been restored and decorated to the exact detailing of how it looked 500 years ago, including the great hall which has played part to many banquets and celebrations over the years and is also available for hire.