Jewish London

The history of the Jewish presence in London from Roman times to the present day

We begin at 10-30am with time to buy morning coffee on Tower Hill, from where we trace the history of Jewish people who first came to London during Roman times and have been instrumental in the history of the capital for 2000 years.  

During the morning we trace the story of Jewish London as we work our way on foot from the City to the East End. Along the way we stop at the oldest synagogue in England built when Sir Christopher Wren was building his churches nearby. The Bevis Marks Synagogue had to be built inside a courtyard as in 1701 synagogues were not permitted on public streets.

We are heading to Whitechapel which would become the hub of Jewish life in the 19th and 20th centuries. These streets thronged with Jewish cabinet makers, tailors, shoe smiths and cigarette makers, who rubbed shoulders with actors, artists and musicians. This was the childhood home of such luminaries as Jack 

Cohen (Tesco’s), Alan Sugar, Bud Flanagan, Joe Loss, Harold Pinter, Lew Grade, Bernard Delfont, Vidal Sassoon, Lionel Blair and Claire Rayner. For lunch we stop at Old Spitalfields Market offering a choice of pubs and cafés with interesting boutique-type shops and market stalls. 

In the afternoon we visit the elegantly refurbished Jewish Museum in Camden Town. Exhibits include the oldest English Hanukkah lamp and a mediaeval tax receipt. This fascinating and illuminating day is recommended for groups who like to get their teeth into a subject. 

There’s a café on site at the Jewish Museum where you can buy refreshments before heading home at 4-45pm. 

This is a walking tour manageable for most people but probably not anyone with serious walking difficulties. This tour is available weekdays throughout the year. 

Adults: £20.50 Seniors: £18.50

Coach Mileage: 5

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