York, England. Founded outside the Micklegate Bar (barrier, city limit) by the Congregation of the English Ladies (now the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) in 1680. This, the oldest convent now existing in England, is still one of the most noted English schools for young ladies; the course comprises all the branches of a higher education, and prepares students for the Higher Certificate London Matriculation, Oxford Local Examinations, and the Royal Academy of Music.