The Gunpowder Plot plotters. Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery
THE Bar Convent Heritage Centre is retelling one of the most dramatic events in British history in The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story.
In the first exploration of its kind, in the city that many of the plot protagonists called home, the exhibition takes visitors beyond the legend of Guy Fawkes to discover the context of post-Reformation life for English Catholics, explore new narratives, see rare artefacts linked to the plot,all in the convent that was secretly established in the aftermath of the plot.
Through rare objects, new interpretation and story-telling, discover how the Gunpowder Plot echoed across the country, left its mark on York and shaped the lives of the courageous women who founded the Bar Convent in its wake in Blossom Street, York.
Dr Hannah Thomas, special collections manager at the Bar Convent, says: “Everyone has heard of Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes and most will be familiar with the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5 1605, but here at the Bar Convent we have curated a Gunpowder Plot experience unlike any other.
16th century engraving of Saint Margaret Clitherow’s death. Courtesy of Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, York
“Guy Fawkes, Christopher and John Wright and Thomas Percy: of the eight plotters, these four men were from York or were connected to the city. What was happening in York at that time and what were the links between these men?
“This is the first exhibition of the Gunpowder Plot to explore the wider context of Catholic life in York and the underground networks at the time. It is truly fascinating to discover connections between Margaret Clitherow and King James I and between Margaret Clitherow and Guy Fawkes; these stories have never been fully examined before.”
Hannah continues: “Through our fascinating collections, we are able to tell the story through rare original objects connected to local people, and to present this in the unique surroundings of a Catholic convent secretly established under new laws passed in reaction to the plot’s discovery.
“To enhance the exhibition, we have also designed a new self-led walking trail across the city to key locations and iconic landmarks that give context to the plot and we will be hosting some special events for those looking to delve deeper.”
Special collections manager Dr Hannah Thomas holding Father Edward Oldcorne’s Crucifix. Picture: Frank Dwyer, courtesy of Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, York
Exhibition highlights
ENTIRE two-floor Bar Convent exhibition space transformed to tell York’s story of the Gunpowder Plot.
New re-display of Father Edward Oldcorne’s Gunpowder Crucifix, the only surviving object from the raids on all known Catholic houses following the plot. York born Edward Oldcorne was in school with the plotters Guy Fawkes, Christopher Wright and John Wright. Despite his innocence, he was hanged, drawn and quartered for being a priest.
Items linked to Margaret Clitherow on display, including a 16th century commemorative etching of Margaret Clitherow’s death; a 1650s handwritten biography; the Middleton Vestment that belonged to her relative, Father Robert Middleton, who was martyred in York in 1601, plus her sacred relic in the chapel.
Collection of post-Reformation objects used during secret Catholic Masses, including two altars, one disguised as a bed head and the other as a mantelpiece ornament; a priest’s vestment, designed to look like ribbons, and a chalice originally made in three separate pieces to be hidden easily in the event of a raid.
New research, including the discovery of connections between Margaret Clitherow and Guy Fawkes and between Margaret Clitherow and James I.
The chance to discover how the convent itself was designed strategically to hide its true purpose; from its position just outside York’s walls to a hidden chapel, an original priest’s hiding hole and nuns disguised as widows.
The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story, Context, Conspiracy, Consequence, on display at Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, York, until December 5. General admission applies, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm). Bookings: barconvent.co.uk.
Father Edward Oldcorne’s Crucifix at Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre. Picture: Anthony Chappel-Ross, courtesy of Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, York
Further events
Museum Lates, Tuesday, November 3, from 6pm
After-hours access to The Gunpowder Plot: York’s Untold Story. Ticketed event, alcoholic or soft drink included. Tickets are on sale at barconvent.co.uk.
Lunchtime talk: The Gunpowder Crucifix, November 5, 1pm
Delve deeper into the story behind Edward Olcorne’s crucifix, the only survivor of the raids on Catholic properties after the Gunpowder Plot. Discover how and why its owner was hanged, drawn and quartered despite his innocence, how it came to be in the convent’s collections and more. Included in admission to the exhibition; allow 20 to 30 minutes.
Gunpowder Plot Walking Trail
Walk in the footsteps of the Gunpowder Plotters on this free self-guided trail through the historic streets of York. Visit key locations and iconic landmarks that give context to one of the most dramatic events in British history. More information at barconvent.co.uk.
17th century handwritten biography of Saint Margaret Clitherow. Courtesy of Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre, York