Barley Hall Room Guide Volunteer
What Do Barley Hall Room Guides Do?
Barley Hall Room Guides welcome visitors to Barley Hall, providing information on everyday life in the medieval Hall and the reconstruction of this incredible building.
Where Will I Be Volunteering?
Barley Hall (www.barleyhall.co.uk) is a stunning medieval town house that has been restored to its former glory after being rediscovered in the 1980s, boasting stunning high ceilings, beautiful exposed timber frames and a magnificent Great Hall. Barley Hall offers a chance to explore what life was like in the home of the 15th-century Mayor of York, William Snawsell, and discover more about life in the late medieval city.
Who Does the Role Suit?
Involvement in the guiding role offers a fun and engaging way to share an interest in history, gain rewarding experience of historical interpretation, spend time in a beautiful and unique surrounding, and support the work of York Archaeology. It suits anyone with an interest in late medieval and early Tudor domestic and social history or with an interest in medieval buildings and architecture. It is ideal for both those seeking career experience and those looking to explore a love of heritage as a hobby or pastime.
Skills & Interests
You don’t need guiding experience or historical knowledge but volunteers should:
- Have an interest in medieval or Tudor social history, architecture or buildings archaeology
- Be confident engaging and sharing information with a wide range of visitors
- Be willing to learn historical and archaeological information from York Archaeology training materials and teams
- Enjoy being part of a team with other staff and volunteers
Volunteer Tasks
- Encourage visitor interaction by room guiding to tell the story of the Hall’s past, the wider medieval and Tudor history of York, and the reconstruction of Barley Hall
- Provide a warm welcome to visitors to Barley Hall
- Engage visitors in the history of Barley Hall
Induction, Training & Support
Video and written training materials are provided with all the information you need to get started. We will also provide an opportunity for you to attend a group Welcome and Training session. You will then have the option to shadow an existing volunteer or book your first session at a time which suits you. Throughout your volunteering with York Archaeology you will be supported by the Volunteering and Site Management teams.
What Will I Gain From Volunteering?
Contribute to the work of York Archaeology : Our volunteers contribute to the work of our educational charity by helping us deliver a great visitor experience and engage people with the history and archaeology of York.
Meet new people : You will be part of a friendly team of volunteers and staff at Barley Hall, and get the opportunity to talk to visitors with a wide range of interests and backgrounds.
Learn something new : Volunteers will be given training on the history of Barley Hall based on historical research and the archaeological work of York Archaeology.
A great place to volunteer : Your volunteering will take place in the beautiful and relaxing environment of a restored late-medieval townhouse.
An active routine that suits you : With flexible, self-selected volunteering sessions available volunteers will have a regular, social and fun activity to take part in that fits around their lives.
Hours & Involvement
Volunteers can get involved on a flexible, self-scheduled basis for two to six hour sessions. You will be able to choose the times you come in each month via our online system or ask us to book you in for regular slots. Uniform You are welcome to wear your own smart casual clothing suitable for a professional museum environment when volunteering in this role, teamed with a YA Volunteer branded lanyard and ID badge. We ask that you avoid some items of clothing such as ripped jeans or graphic t-shirts. Further guidance is available from the Volunteering Team. YA branded polo shirts and sweatshirts are available on request.
Further Information
York Archaeology is committed to reflecting the diversity of our audiences and reducing barriers to volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering but have questions, including about support or access needs, that you’d like to ask before applying please contact our friendly volunteering team by emailing volunteer@yorkat.co.uk
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