Role Summary

Barley Hall Room Guides welcome visitors to Barley Hall, providing information on everyday life for the Hall’s late medieval inhabitants and the reconstruction of this incredible building. 

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

Skills and Interests

• Have an interest in medieval and Tudor domestic and social history or vernacular architecture and 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 

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.

Hours & Involvement

Volunteers get involved on a weekly or fortnightly basis for two to six hour sessions. You will be able to flexibly choose the times you come in each month via our online system or ask us to book you in for regular slots. We generally ask for a commitment of at least one session per month for around 6 months.

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. 

Induction, Training and Support

Video and written training materials are provided with all the information you need to get started volunteering. 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.

Application Timescales & Contact

For applications received before 18th September, Group Application Meetings will take place on 30th September and 1st October and Welcome & Training Sessions for applicants we are able to match to a role will take place on 14th and 15th October. 

For applications received between 26th September and 6th November, Group Application Meetings will take place on 13th and 19th November and Welcome & Training Sessions for applicants we are able to match to a role will take place on 2nd and 3rd December.

For applications received between 7th November and 7th January, Group Application Meetings will take place on 13th and 14th January and Welcome & Training Sessions for applicants we are able to match to a role will take place on 3rd and 4th February.

After application you will be asked to register with our My Impact volunteer management system to book onto a Group Application meeting and, if we can successfully match you to a role, to sign up to sessions through our rota system.