The Bard at Barley Hall
The Bard at Barley Hall explores the history of York through the drama of Shakespeare, featuring costumes worn by famous actors in a host of popular films, including Al Pacino’s Shylock costume from A Merchant of Venice, Michael Fassbender’s Macbeth costume and Kate Winslet's Ophelia costume from Hamlet.
Visitors can dress up and perform their own scenes on the interactive stage and view exhibits from York Archaeological Trust's own collections, stage their own shadow puppet performances of Hamlet and Macbeth and discover a range of sensory activities for visitors with additional needs.
History - The oldest parts of Barley Hall date from about 1360, when the Hall was built as the York townhouse of Nostell Priory, the monastery near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. A new wing was added in about 1430. Soon after, the Hall became the home of a leading York citizen, William Snawsell goldsmith, Alderman and Lord Mayor of York.
