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Alderney Road Cemetery (also known as The Great Synagogue Burial Ground, Alderney Road Jewish Cemetery)

Introduction

Alderney Road Cemetery is the oldest Ashkenazi Jewish cemetery in the UK, which opened in 1697. Most tombstones are inscribed in Hebrew, some now decayed; the older section in the north has a central path beside which are many fine chest tombs of the wealthy and well-known people buried here. A granite plaque inside is inscribed with the words: 'Within this cemetery lie the mortal remains of the founders, lay readers and rabbis of the Ashkenazim community of this country'.

Alderney Road Cemetery is the oldest Ashkenazi Jewish cemetery in the UK, which opened in 1697. It was extended in 1749 and a granite plaque records that: 'Within this cemetery lie the mortal remains of the founders, lay readers and rabbis of the Ashkenazim community of this country'. The cemetery was closed in 1852 but remained with a resident caretaker. There are many fine tombs and a number of notable trees in the cemetery, which is surrounded by high brick walls.

Sources consulted:

Hugh Meller & Brian Parsons, 'London Cemeteries, An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer', 4th edition (The History Press, 2008); The United Synagogue website; Cemetery Scribes website, www.cemeteryscribes.com: Marcus Roberts 'History - Alderney Road Jewish Cemetery' (www.jtrails.org.uk); LB Tower Hamlets, 'Carlton Square Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines', October 2007; Dr Sharman Kadish, 'Jewish Heritage in England' (English Heritage, 2006)

For more information see http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=THM003

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Access contact details

The site is open to the public by appointment only. Please contact 020 8950 7767.

Directions

Tube: Stepney Green (District/Hammersmith & City). Bus: 25, 205.

Owners

The United Synagogue

Other Websites

Features & Designations

Designations

  • Conservation Area

  • The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building

  • Reference: Burial Ground Walls
  • Grade: II
Key Information

Type

Funerary Site

Purpose

Sacred / Ritual / Funerary

Principal Building

Religious Ritual And Funerary

Survival

Extant

Hectares

0.5

Open to the public

Yes

References

Contributors

  • London Parks and Gardens Trust