Plymouth Synagogue, Orthodox synagogue in Plymouth, England
Plymouth Synagogue is a rectangular whitewashed brick building that holds an ornate Baroque Torah Ark rising from floor to ceiling. The ark features Corinthian columns and gilded decorations as its main architectural focal point.
Built between 1762 and 1764, the synagogue emerged during a time when Jewish communities faced legal limits on property ownership. The land required a Christian intermediary, Samuel Champion, to secure the lease since direct ownership was forbidden by law.
The building shows traditional Ashkenazi features mixed with Victorian-era changes, including Minton terracotta tiles and stained glass windows. These details reflect how the community adapted its space over time while keeping its heritage alive.
Visitors should contact the Synagogue Custodian before attending to arrange a visit. Services take place every Friday at 6 PM and Saturday at 10 AM if you wish to experience a full gathering.
The Torah Ark itself came from the Netherlands or Germany and was carefully taken apart, transported, and reassembled inside the building during construction. This practical feat reveals how much care the community invested in preserving such a sacred object.
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