About the Jewish London Walk in London
Jewish history in London begins in 1066, when William the Conqueror encouraged Jewish merchants and artisans from northern France to move to England. From that time, notwithstanding Edward the First's mass expulsion in 1290, London has been home to a very diverse and active Jewish community, one which established itself primarily in the area east of Tower Hill. Our Jewish London walking tour traces the history of these different communities, some of whom continued to live in London after the expulsion, but the majority of whom entered into England only during the 17th century under the decree of Oliver Cromwell.
From Jewry Street—where first Jewish community of London made their home 800 years ago—to Bevis Marks—the first purpose built Sephardi Synagogue opened in 1701— we will delve into the stories of the Jewish families that lived, struggled and prospered in this area of London. Continuing East, we will come across Gravel Lane and the site of the famous Petticoat Lane Market. It w
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Jewish history in London begins in 1066, when William the Conqueror encouraged Jewish merchants and artisans from northern France to move to England. From that time, notwithstanding Edward the First's mass expulsion in 1290, London has been home to a very diverse and active Jewish community, one which established itself primarily in the area east of Tower Hill. Our Jewish London walking tour traces the history of these different communities, some of whom continued to live in London after the expulsion, but the majority of whom entered into England only during the 17th century under the decree of Oliver Cromwell.
From Jewry Street—where first Jewish community of London made their home 800 years ago—to Bevis Marks—the first purpose built Sephardi Synagogue opened in 1701— we will delve into the stories of the Jewish families that lived, struggled and prospered in this area of London. Continuing East, we will come across Gravel Lane and the site of the famous Petticoat Lane Market. It was here that hundreds of Ashkenazi Jews worked and settled in the 18th century. We will discuss the importance of the rag trade (selling second hand clothes) and the role of "The Jewish welfare board,” which was established in 1859.
After a quick visit to Sandy’s Row Synagogue we will finish our walk at the moving Kinder Transport Memorial, located at Liverpool Street Station. In 1938 the British Government gave permission for 10,000 Jewish refugee children to enter the country after escaping from Nazi Germany. The children were saved, but never saw their parents again. As Liverpool Street Station was the site of their arrival, this fitting monument was placed to preserve their memory.
Our Jewish London walking seminar weaves a tale of the history of the Jewish community in London, giving visitors a distinct sense of its rich cultural and history. Spanning a wide time span, our docent, an expert in Jewish history, will provide you with a deeper sense of how these communities developed, from their initial inception in 1066 and subsequent flourishing in the 17th century through their trials during WWII and triumphs in modern London.
