The Old Jewish Quarter Guided Walk 1.6.11

This walk traces the history of London's Jewish community in the East End. Set amid the alleys and back streets of colourful Spitalfields and Whitechapel, it's a tale of synagogues and sweatshops, Sephardim (comes from the Hebrew word for Spain) and soup kitchens.
I found it fascinating how the East End backed so closely onto the City. Having walked around some of the back streets we went to visit the Bevis Marks synagogue which is thoroughly to be recommended. We were given a talk about the history of the synagogue and about its function today. It is an amazing building tucked away among many modern structures.

The synagogue, affiliated to London's historic Spanish and Portugese community, is the oldest synagogue in the United Kingdom still in use. It is the same today as it was 300 years ago, except for the roof which was destroyed by fire in 1738 and repaired in 1749. Being located in the city's financial district, the synagogue suffered some collateral damage from the IRA Bishopsgate bombing in 1993, but it was later restored. The interior is well worth a visit. There is a small entrance fee.

Petticoat Lane market    

 

 

A soup kitchen for the Jewish poor

   

The houses above were built originally for the Huguenots (they were driven from France during a series of religious persecutions) who came here to settle in the 17th century. They were then taken over by the Jewish community, then by the Bangladeshis and are finally becoming residences for the more up and coming! It is located quite close to Brick Lane which is the heart of the city's Bangladeshi community and is known to some as Banglatown. It is famous for its curry houses.

 

We completed our walk opposite Spitalfields Market which is definitely worth a visit. It has many stalls ranging from clothes to food. I even managed to get a piece of wheat-free cake!