Barley Hall, York.
Medieval townhouse
As
part of Bridlington’s Arts and Music Festival May 2006
I Crafted This Poem for…
Working really hard
This artist crafts
Starting with wondering
Then finding a part of myself
That knows what it wants
Getting excited, about an idea
A new way of making
Going and studying
Gathering materials
Learning to work safe
Managing to keep clean
Starting to practice
Discovering tricks and skills
Getting used to my company
Being with myself and my working
Building
Shaping
Waiting
Returning
Finishing
Here
“I made this for you”
Adrian recently appeared at Barley Hall as Hob Swynherd, an entertaining character who tells what it was like to be alive during the winter of 1360 and looking after his beloved pigs. I've seen Adrian perform many times and he never fails to make me smile. It was a cold wet day but I left barley hall with a warm feeling inside.
D. Johnson 2009
Medieval
Dancing
Also available with Lindsey Smith are Medieval dancing lessons or one
off sessions kayleigh style, (calling out each step). sessions can be tailored
from primary aged children to adults, beginners and more advanced. Adrian
has worked with Lindsey on several projects for York Archaeological Trust,
in particular at Barley Hall for such as the Festival of Angels, Viking
Sagas and Song (where Lindsey was Lady Joan). Lindsey was also commissioned
to make Adrian's Hob costume by Y.A.T. (York Archaeological Trust) and is
planning to organise costume making classes at Barley Hall in the future.
There will also be available a teach-yourself medieval dancing dvd, which
is in the final stages of production.
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.
The house was bought by York Archaeological Trust in January 1987. Later that year, a full archaeological investigation of the interior was carried out through one metre of deposits to the 14th century levels, revealing the remains of the floor of the Great Hall. Further investigations in 1990 to 1991 looked at the courtyard and found the remains of the exterior stairway to the Great Chamber on the first floor. Work to restore the Hall to its former glory began in 1990 and it re-opened to the public in 1993. Barley Hall has annually changing exhibitions as well as permanent displays of medieval artefacts and costume and games from the period, which you are invited to try on and play with.
Barley Hall hosts numerous events throughout the year from candlelit Christmas tours to celebrating harvest time in a Tudor Tavern.
Contact By post
Barley Hall
2 Coffee Yard
York
YO1 8AR
By phone
01904 610275
By E-Mail
Barleyhall@yorkat.co.uk
www.barleyhall.org.uk
York Archaeological Trust is an independent charity, founded in 1972, which investigates the past for the benefit of present communities and future generations. Linking professional skills and expertise in the practice of archaeology with broadly based background knowledge and experience, it carries out carefully targeted and cost effective archaeological recording, excavation and research for a broad range of clients and partners. The results are made available in a number of innovative and dynamic ways.
Medieval Dancing at Barley Hall With Hob Swynherd and Lindsey Smith - More
The tale of Sir Wineyard - Written and produced By Jude Heaton in tribute to Adrian Spendlow in his guise of Hob Swynherd.
Ghostly Photos at
Barley Hall
Was Hob really there in person?
View photographs
