Overview
This fascinating walk through Jewish history does deliver.
On this walking tour of London we will weave the history of the Jewish community. From that you will see the definite sense of the rich culture that spanned a wide range of time. Your guide, who is an expert in Jewish history, will fill you with the deep sense of how these communities developed from their initial inception in 1066 to how they flourished in the seventeenth century and then again through the difficult times of WWII - finally bringing you to modern London.
Most of the cities around the world, including London, have felt the influence of Jewish culture. An array of important historical sites including Bevis Marks, the Sandy Row Synagogue, and the Kinder Transport Memorial are visited to help paint a vivid and informative portrait of London's Jewish population which really began when William the Conqueror began encouraging Jewish merchants and artisans from northern France to move to England. With the exception of when Edward the First's mass expulsion in 1290, London has been home to a very diverse and active Jewish community. Most of these Londoners settled primarily in the area east of Tower Hill.
During this excursion you will learn the history of these different communities, some of which continued to live in London after the expulsion, but the majority of whom entered England only during the seventeenth century under the decree of Oliver Cromwell. The first Jewish community made their home on Jewry Street 800 years ago and in 1701 a Sephardi Synagogue was built called Bevis Marks. As you move east through neighborhoods, you will arrive at Gravel Lane and the site of the famous Petticoat Lane Market. Here is where hundreds of Ashkenazi Jews worked and settled in the 18th century. The 'rag trade' grew (second-hand clothes) and the role of the Jewish Welfare Board was established in 1859.
You will make a quick visit to Sandy's Row Synagogue. The completion of this walk will be at the Kinder Transport Memorial at Liverpool Street Station. This is very appropriate as the British Government, in 1938, 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. This was the location of their arrival and thus, a fitting monument was placed here to preserve their memory.
- A central meeting point will be provided upon confirmation.
- Please dress for a walking tour. Shoes are very important and you should bring an umbrella if there is a hint of rain.
- We will go inside Bevis Marks temple and sometimes we also go inside Sandy’s Row Synagogue. It isn't possible to pre-purchase tickets but your guide will facilitate your entry quickly.
- This tour runs rain or shine though the itinerary might be modified if the weather is very inclement.
- Children find this interesting but we do suggest letting us know any interests so we can assign the right guide.
- This tour covers about 2 miles of very easy walking.
Days offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
Departures:- 10:00 AM, duration: 3 hours
