Jewish London

From the middle ages to the modern day, learn about the profound impact Jewish culture has had on London

$408 and up

Private

N/A

Small group

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History, Jewish Heritage
Duration: 3 hours
Location: London

Photos & Highlights

From the middle ages to the modern day, learn about the profound impact Jewish culture has had on London
Led by expert guide with specialism in Jewish history
Bevis Marks, Liverpool Street Station, and Sandy's Row Synagogue

Tour Description

With its expansive diaspora, most cities around the world—including London—have felt the influence of Jewish culture. Our Jewish London Tour traces the history of Jews in Britain's capital from the Middles Ages to the present. It visits an array of important historical sites, including Bevis Marks, the Sandy Row Synagogue, and the Kinder Transport Memorial, and along the way paints a vivid, informative portrait of London's Jewish population through history.

Jewish London Tour

Jewish history in London began 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 that established itself primarily in the area east of Tower Hill. Our Jewish London tour traces the history of these different communities, some of which continued to live in London after the expulsion, but the majority of whom entered into England only during the seventeenth century under the decree of Oliver Cromwell.

Synagogues in London

From Jewry Street, where the 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 eighteenth 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.

Those interested in learning the history of other subjugated groups in London may find our London Slavery Tour informative.

Commemorating Those Lost

After a quick visit to Sandy’s Row Synagogue, we will finish our walk at the 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.

Learn more about WWII in England in our Churchill War Rooms Tour.

Take Aways

Our Jewish London walking tour weaves a tale of the history of the Jewish community in London, giving visitors a distinct sense of its rich culture and history. Spanning a wide time span, our guide, 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 seventeenth century through their trials during WWII and finally to their triumphs in modern London.

Context Travel is also able to arrange a special Custom Jewish History itinerary at the British Museum, following the Old Testament stories of the Jews through correlating artifacts on display. Please email our office for more information.

FAQ

Do we go inside the venues or just see them from the outside?

We will sometimes go inside Sandy’s Row Synagogue when possible but Bevis Marks is currently closed for renovations throughout the rest of the year.

Will you pre-purchase tickets?

It's not possible to buy tickets in advance, but our guide will facilitate the purchase of tickets, so you will not wait in line.

What if it’s raining?

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

Is this tour good for kids?

Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.

Is this a walking intensive tour?

The walk covers approximately 2 miles, but we go at a gentle pace. If you have any special requirements, please let us know at the time of booking.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Rob

Author of the best-selling travel guide, “The Rough Guide to London” (now in its 10th edition), Rob knows pretty much every museum, gallery and hidden nook and cranny of London. With a degree from Cambridge, a background in theatre and 20 years’ experience visiting and writing about the sights of London, Rob can combine personal experience and academic knowledge to every one of his walks.

Pepe

Pepe was born and bred in London and has lived here all his life, apart from a year travelling the world in his 20s. His professional life began working as a stage manager, followed by 15 years as a Tour Manager leading tours of the UK, Ireland and Europe, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and The Middle and Far East. He qualified as a London Blue Badge Guide in 2011 and was honored to receive the award for Best Overall Practical Exam Guide. A keen cyclist, Pepe loves the outdoors and walking and he believes the best way to see a city is on foot. He loves the theatre and tries to attend as often as possible and is usually ahead of the game when it comes to recommendations. Pepe is particularly good at working with children and keeping them engaged and entertained. For those wanting to experience London with a local and find out its true secrets, Pepe is the man for the job.

Zozo Daniel

Originally from Israel, Zozo has been calling London his home for the past 30 years. He is enthusiastic about sharing his love of London with visitors. Working with and meeting people from around the world has always been part of his life. As a frequent traveller he understands what visitors expect.

34 Reviews – (4.84)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

I thought the guide was great and very knowledgeable. I got a real sense of what it must have been like in the 1900's. There's very little of "Jewish" London left it seems, which is why I gave this 4 stars, instead of 6 stars; I wonder whether there is anything else that could be added to the tour, or is this simply unfortunately what is indeed left to see.

Michele

Feb. 23, 2019

Excellent job on bringing in the history of England with the Jewish history.

Inez

Nov. 4, 2018

In depth information and history. The synagogue visit is memorable. Our thanks to Ruth and Context.

Sandra

Oct. 7, 2018

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