Skip to content
Home Timelines Search

Highfield Street Synagogue
  • The synagogue was funded by donations from local business men, particularly Israel Hart
  • Israel Hart held the position of Lord Mayor of Leicester four times
  • It was designed by the well-known Leicester architect, Arthur Wakerley

The Leicester Hebrew Congregation

By 1850 Leicester had a small Jewish community working mostly as shopkeepers or market traders, often associated with clothing manufacture or tailoring. Around 1859 the community was joined by Israel Hart who moved to the town to found the tailoring firm Hart and Levy.  Hart was an important man in Leicester and went on to hold the position of Lord Mayor of Leicester a total of four times.

Before long the community had outgrown the rented premises they had been using for worship. The Highfields Street Synagogue was mostly funded by donations from Israel Hart and other local Jewish business men, it opened in 1898.

Sir israel hart 1935 1911 head
Sir Israel Hart, by Arthur Stockdale Cope 1896

Arthur Wakerley

The new synagogue was designed by Arthur Wakerley, a celebrated local architect and politician who had been Leicester’s mayor in 1897. Much of his work was inspired by his love of “the Orient”, an influence that is evident in the Byzantine-style dome on top of the Synagogue tower as well as decoration on the Turkey Café on Granby Street. School rooms were added to the Synagogue in 1901.

A narrow miss

The Synagogue narrowly missed being hit during a bombing raid of 19th November 1940 when neighbouring buildings were destroyed. Among those who lost their lives that night were 19 members of the Jewish community, some of whom had only recently arrived in Leicester to escape the London Blitz.

Timeline
Victorian Leicester
Continue the story
Visitor information
Can be seen from the street

Gallery

Interior of the Synagogue -
Interior of the Synagogue
Highfield Street November 1940 after the bombing raid. The synagogue, on the far left, survived - Leicester Mercury Archive at the University of Leicester
Highfield Street November 1940 after the bombing raid. The synagogue, on the far left, survived
Leicester Mercury Archive at the University of Leicester
The iconic copper dome -
The iconic copper dome
Architectural plans for the synagogue, designed by Arthur Wakerley -
Architectural plans for the synagogue, designed by Arthur Wakerley
A plaque listing the contributors to the building fund -
A plaque listing the contributors to the building fund
Interior of the Synagogue -
Interior of the Synagogue
Sir Israel Hart, by Arthur Stockdale Cope 1896 -
Sir Israel Hart, by Arthur Stockdale Cope 1896

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

Change time period...
  • Roman Leicester
  • Medieval Leicester
  • Tudor & Stuart Leicester
  • Georgian Leicester
  • Victorian Leicester
  • Edwardian Leicester
  • Early 20th Century Leicester
  • Modern Leicester
story of leicester
Your ultimate guide to visiting the city