Hall celebrates 650th anniversary with historical dance performance

Now, Barley Hall, one of the nation's best preserved medieval townhouse, will celebrate its 650th anniversary this week with events that will take visitors back to its origins in the 14th century.

Activities being staged tomorrow and Saturday include a specially-commissioned dance interpretation of the history of Barley Hall – parts of which date back to 1360 – which will be followed by a candlelit supper and musical entertainment.

York dance company, Spire Dance, has created and will perform the piece at Barley Hall, off Stonegate in the city centre.

Artistic director Jo Thorne said: "We create work in unusual spaces and were particularly inspired by the rich history and beauty that Barley Hall holds and how this would lend itself to contemporary dance.

"The performances involve the audience touring around the building following the dancers as they perform in four different spaces."

Barley Hall was re-discovered in 1984 when a derelict office building was demolished, and it was bought by the York Archaeological Trust three years later. It has been open as a museum for the last 17 years.