Guildford Synagogue - Medieval Synagogue

Medieval Synagogue

The Jews probably arrived in Guildford during the 12th century. It is widely believed that they built a synagogue (circa 1180) in the High Street, on a site that is now owned by the retail outlet Accessorize. There is a small plaque to mark the spot.

The chamber was discovered in 1995 when excavations were taking place on the site. Archaeologists led by Mary Alexander of the Guildford Museum found a chamber with steps down from street level. It was ornately decorated with pattern designs. In the East of the room is an alcove and a pillar where scorch marks demonstrate that a light was often burning in this place. The assumption is that the alcove is the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) and the mark is left from a Ner Tamid (Everlasting Light).

Being the only chamber of its kind in England, there has been much dispute over its use, but the most popular theory and all the evidence points towards the probability that Guildford has the oldest synagogue remains in the British Isles and one of the oldest in Western Europe.

Today, the modern synagogue contains a stone presented by Guildford Museum of the original Jewish museum. The actual chamber is under concrete although both the owners of the site and local historians have expressed their regret at not having a glass floor.