Hampstead Synagogue

Hampstead Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue on Dennington Park Road in West Hampstead, in the London Borough of Camden. The building was completed in 1901 and was listed Grade II* in 1989, one of the more architecturally interesting houses of worship in north London.

What is Hampstead Synagogue?

It is a working Orthodox congregation that has prayed on this site for over a century. It remains a place of worship rather than a museum, so access to the interior depends on the congregation's rules and service times.

Building history

The project took shape in the 1890s, when the growing Jewish community of north-west London needed a house of prayer of its own. The foundation stone was laid in 1892, and the synagogue could seat around 700 people. The architect was Delissa Joseph, who designed a number of buildings in London. Classrooms and a board room were added, and the enlarged building was reconsecrated in 1901, the year usually given for its completion.

What does it look like?

The synagogue is a red brick building with slate roofs and a central tower. Its style is described as eclectic, mixing French Gothic and Romanesque motifs. It has an unusual plan, and the interior follows a European tradition in which the bimah and pulpit stand on a platform in front of the Ark. Among ordinary London brick terraces, the towered silhouette stands out immediately.

Heritage listing and restoration

In 1989 the building received Grade II* status, the second-highest category in England, given to buildings of particular importance. The synagogue was restored between 2009 and 2011, and the first service in the renovated building took place in September 2009.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hampstead Synagogue? On Dennington Park Road in West Hampstead, in Camden, London.

When was it built? Construction began in 1892, and the building in its present form was completed in 1901.

Who designed it? The architect Delissa Joseph.

Is the building listed? Yes. It has been Grade II* listed since 1989.

Is the synagogue still in use? Yes, it is an active Orthodox synagogue. Check entry rules and times before visiting, as the interior serves the congregation first.

Who is it for?

The synagogue suits lovers of religious architecture, anyone interested in the history of London's Jewish communities, and walkers exploring West Hampstead. It is a short walk from West Hampstead station, and the brick tower is easy to see from the street. You can combine it with Hampstead Heath and other Camden sights, remembering that it is not a standard tourist attraction and the character of the place deserves respect.