Sunderland Synagogue

Sunderland Synagogue stands on Ryhope Road as a Byzantine Revival building featuring a deep barrel vault and ornate plasterwork throughout its interior spaces. The structure displays decorative elements inspired by Islamic and Byzantine design, particularly evident in the elaborate canopy above the Ark where the Torah scrolls were kept.

The Hebrew Congregation of Sunderland formed in 1861 and relocated to this Marcus Kenneth Glass-designed structure in 1928 to accommodate its growing community. The building operated as an active synagogue until its closure in 2006.

The building served as the center of Jewish worship in Sunderland after the closure of another congregation in 1984, maintaining Orthodox Ashkenazi traditions within its walls. Visitors can observe the religious character expressed through the interior design and decorative choices made for worship purposes.

The Grade II listed building has remained closed since 2006, though its exterior remains visible to visitors walking past the location. Current proposals may eventually allow changes to the interior while keeping the building's outer appearance unchanged.

The elaborate plaster canopy above the Torah Ark unusually combines Islamic and Byzantine design elements within a single decorative composition. This merging of different architectural traditions creates a distinctive feature rarely seen in synagogue design from this period.

Location: Sunderland

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 54.89546,-1.37850

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:44