Wednesday 19 February 2020
Jewish people came to London during Roman times and have been part of the capital’s story for 2,000 years. We trace the story of the Jewish presence, visiting the UK’s oldest synagogue and The Jewish Museum.
We will meet the Blue Badge Guide at 10.30 at St. Lawrence Jewry in the City for morning coffee (included in the price). A short coach tour takes us to Bevis Marks which is our oldest and most splendid synagogue, constructed at the time when Sir Christopher Wren was building his city churches nearby. It was built inside a courtyard because synagogues were not permitted to open onto public streets. It is fascinating to contrast a Wren 17th century church with the synagogue this morning.
From here we walk to Spitalfields – a hub of Jewish life in the 19th and 20th centuries, picking out visible reminders of a vibrant past. For lunch we stop at the old Fruit & Veg Market, offering a choice of pubs and cafes with interesting shops and market stalls.
In the afternoon we visit the Jewish Museum in Camden Town. Exhibits include a recreation of the Jewish East End and the Milk Street mikveh – the ritual bath used by women after childbirth.
There is a cafe on site to buy a cup of tea before heading for home at 4.45 pm.
Leaders: Sue Willis (07973 507338) and Sheila Knight (07811 085917)
Please use these numbers only in an emergency on the day of the trip.
Cost: £49