Jewish History in London Walking Tour

When looking for Jewish history anywhere in London nowadays much of the old Jewish fabric is lost; many buildings were bombed, redeveloped, slum-cleared or repurposed. The heart of Westminster is not like this.

Westminster: England’s royal and political power base, has historically dictated, determined and legislated the Jews’ status and freedoms in British society.

Anglo-Jewish history is connected to those dual authorities and the Jews’ place in Britain has been defined and directed from this one small area since the 1100s.

When searching here for Jewish history much survives. Or at least fragments of Jewish history survive within buildings, through statues or on memorials. You just have to look for it.

The Jewish experience that has resulted from Westminster’s authority tells a diverse story of admission, tolerance, persecution, diktat, violence, money, expulsion, readmission, legislation, racism, emancipation and integration. To an extent it includes acceptance.

Many people, both Jewish and non-Jewish, have played their part in this one-thousand-year story, many ‘visible’ in one way or another during this walking tour. Many of the buildings where our story happens still stand, very much here in the present, and on our tour route.

This tour is not a misty-eyed wander through the old Jewish ghettos. What’s really fascinating is the political history of the Jews in England, which divides into two parts. The Jews of medieval England were expelled in 1290. Modern Anglo-Jewish history starts with readmission in 1656 and much follows, right up until today, where we’ll discover modern Jewish contributions to Britain’s political life.

It’s a dramatic story; and where did this 1000-year story take place? On our tour route of course.

• Westminster Abbey
• Houses of Parliament
• The Cenotaph
• Banqueting House
• King Richard I statue
• Oliver Cromwell statue
• Benjamin Disraeli statue
• Suffragettes
• …and more

Tour with a local guide: qualified, verified, experienced and friendly.

I’m your private London guide and I’ll be explaining as we explore. There are plenty of stops for photo opportunities. I’ll talk as we walk and when we’re up close.