West London Synagogue

West London Synagogue is a Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue at 34 Upper Berkeley Street, a short walk from Marble Arch in the City of Westminster, Central London. It is a Grade II listed building and the home of the oldest Reform congregation in the United Kingdom.

What is West London Synagogue?

The full name is the West London Synagogue of British Jews, often shortened to WLS. The congregation was organised in April 1840 as a Reform body. It belongs to the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain and is among the best-known Jewish communities in the capital. Today it counts around 3,000 members.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The synagogue stands in the Marylebone area, in the western part of central London, on a quiet side street close to Marble Arch. Its coordinates are roughly 51.5153, -0.1621. The location makes it easy to combine with a walk through the nearby streets and with a visit to Hyde Park, which lies just beyond Marble Arch.

When was the building constructed?

The congregation grew steadily between 1849 and 1867 and needed larger premises. The site on Upper Berkeley Street was found, and the new synagogue was consecrated on 22 September 1870. Construction cost about £20,000, and the sanctuary was designed to hold around 1,000 worshippers. The architects were the partnership of Davis and Emanuel; sources spell the second name Emanuel or Emmanuel, and name the partners as Barrow Emanuel and Henry D. Davis.

What does the architecture look like?

The main sanctuary was built in the Byzantine style, which is unusual among London's places of worship and gives the building its distinctive character. Besides the prayer hall, the premises include offices, a library and community facilities. The synagogue was later extended: a first extension followed in 1934, designed by Mewes and Davis, and another in 1964, by Julian Sofaer. The building was given Grade II listed status in 1989, which recognises its architectural and historic interest.

What is its place in Jewish history in Britain?

West London Synagogue was the first home of Reform Judaism in Britain. Its development reflects changes in how the congregation practised. Rabbi Morris Joseph, who succeeded the earlier minister Marks in 1895, moved the congregation closer to mainstream Reform by removing prayers for the restoration of sacrifices in Jerusalem. From the 1920s, men and women have been able to sit together during services.

Can tourists visit?

The synagogue is first of all a living place of worship and a community centre, so access depends on services and events. If you want to see the interior, check the congregation's official website or contact the office before you go. From the street you can see the building and its facade without any arrangement.

Frequently asked questions

Is West London Synagogue still active? Yes. It is a working congregation with regular services and community activities.

What style is the building? The sanctuary is Byzantine in style, dating from 1870.

Is the building listed? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 1989.

Where is it? At 34 Upper Berkeley Street, near Marble Arch, in the City of Westminster.