York Archaeology: Barley Hall and Jorvik

Monday 07 July
Depart: Parkinson Steps: 12.30
Arrive: Parkinson Steps: 19.30
Price: £50.50

Many people and peoples have called York home over the centuries, with each society leaving its mark on the city for those who know where to look. The excursion provides an opportunity to explore York's many layers of rich history, both hidden below the ground and tucked away within its maze of alleyways, as well as to interrogate ways of unravelling this archaeological onion for the public. For more than fifty years, York Archaeology (formerly known as the York Archaeological Trust) has been the guardian of this heritage, both preserving and interpreting this vibrant legacy for the many thousands of people visiting York each year.

Within the damp soils of York, the Coppergate excavations of 1976-81 revealed an astonishing nine metres of archaeology. The centuries of dense occupation mean that materials such as wood, leather, and wool, which usually do not survive well in other locations, have been preserved. Building on these finds, JORVIK first opened in 1984 and became a runaway success, revolutionising the heritage industry in the UK. An immersive visitor experience, it was hailed for its bold and innovative approach to interpreting the early medieval past for audiences of all kinds.

Buoyed by the success of JORVIK, the Trust acquired Barley Hall in 1987 and began an ambitious project to reconstruct the late medieval townhouse as a living history attraction. Although the earliest parts of the site dated to the construction of a townhouse for the monks of Nostell Priory in 1360, subsequent medieval, early modern, and modern additions had fundamentally changed the character of the building, creating considerable logistical, technical, and academic challenges for presenting the site. Eventually, the decision was taken to restore Barley Hall to the grandeur of its time as the residence of William Snawsell, a prominent local goldsmith and mayor of York.

Participants will visit both of these premier heritage attractions and consider the development of both sites over the last four decades. Both sites provide a unique opportunity to consider how interpretative techniques and approaches have evolved over the years, as well as charting the fortunes of the two attractions in a changing tourism landscape.

This excursion will be guided by Chris Tuckley, Head of Interpretation & Learning at York Archaeology. For further information about York Archaeology and its attractions, please visit: https://yorkarchaeology.co.uk/