Coventry Synagogue And Rabbi's House

Coventry Synagogue and Rabbi's House is a Victorian complex on Barras Lane in the centre of Coventry, West Midlands. Built in 1870, it is one of the clearest surviving traces of the city's historic Jewish community, and it has been a Grade II listed building since 2009.

Where is the synagogue and what does it look like?

The buildings face Barras Lane and Gloucester Street. Three connected parts make up the group: the synagogue itself, the rabbi's house and the vestibule joining them. The rabbi's accommodation occupies the upper floor at the south-west corner. The scale is modest, because the congregation built it on a limited budget.

Who designed it?

The architect was Thomas Naden (1824-1916) of Birmingham, who later became president of the Birmingham Architectural Association. The synagogue was built in 1870 together with the neighbouring rabbi's house.

Where did the congregation meet before Barras Lane?

Before the present building existed, Coventry's Jewish community gathered in several places. These included the former home of Isaac Cohen, rooms off Derby Lane, Fleet Street, and upper rooms at 16 Spon Street. In 1870 the congregation finally gained a purpose-built home on Barras Lane.

What happened in the twentieth century?

Membership shrank over the years. By 1890 only six members were paying subscriptions and the synagogue closed for a time. It reopened around 1906. During much of the Second World War services were suspended, as Coventry suffered heavy bombing and many residents were evacuated.

After the war the building was altered. In 1964 G.N. Jackson reworked the gallery and rebuilt the porch and vestibule.

When did it stop being used?

By 2003 the synagogue no longer held regular services. It slid into disuse and disrepair, and closed for good in 2008. On 18 June 2009 it was designated a Grade II listed building.

What is its condition today?

The Coventry Society reports that Avi Tordjman has taken on the property and that it is being restored slowly. The Society still regards the building as at risk. Visitors writing in 2023 described the former synagogue and rabbi's house as a sad and lonely sight. It is best seen as an architectural and historical landmark viewed from the street.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside? The synagogue holds no regular services or visiting hours, so it is best viewed from the street.

When was Coventry Synagogue built? It was built in 1870 to a design by Thomas Naden.

Is the building protected? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 18 June 2009.

Why did it close? Membership declined over decades. Regular services had ended by 2003 and the building closed in 2008.

What else is nearby? The synagogue sits in central Coventry, so it combines easily with a walk through the city centre and its other historic sites.