Visit Us
What's On
Explore our Collection
Our Story
All Enquires, please call 0207 2892573
About Bevis Marks Synagogue
Bevis Marks Synagogue is the ‘cathedral’ synagogue of the S&P Community, the Spanish and Portuguese Jews in Britain. Set on the borders of the City of London and the Borough of Tower Hamlets, this beautiful Grade I listed building is steeped in history.
Sephardi Jews were the first to resettle after the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290 by Edward I. They arrived in the 1650s, having been given permission to practice their religion by Oliver Cromwell, worshipping in a converted house in nearby Creechurch Lane. Later they commissioned Joseph Avis to build a new synagogue in Aldgate, then on the edge of the City of London. Bevis Marks Synagogue was designed in the style of Sir Christopher Wren’s city churches, built following the Great Fire of 1666.
The Synagogue is a crucial part of Jewish heritage and celebrates the musical, religious and cultural traditions of its community. Its preservation is our duty as well as our honour.
Simon Sebag Montefiore, Honorary Benefactor
A Story of Survival, Community and Enduring Tradition
Bevis Marks Synagogue was completed in 1701 and has been cared for by the S&P Sephardi Community ever since. Our Synagogue is not only the oldest synagogue in use in Britain, but the only synagogue in Europe to have held regular services continuously for over 300 years.
Our buildings and the magnificent treasures housed here have survived largely intact, despite the attacks of the Blitz and the IRA’s bombing campaign.
Today, we share the stories of generations of the S&P Sephardi Community at one of London’s cultural landmarks. Here, we honour the community’s legacy through enriching education and learning and the work of the Bevis Marks Synagogue Heritage Foundation.
Plan your visit to the Bevis Marks Synagogue — a very special London day out. For virtual talks and tours please visit the Jewish Museum website.
Plan your visit to the Bevis Marks Synagogue — a very special London day out.
