Background

Three unique walking tours of the Jewish East End.
These are the only tours we do, so you can gather we're in love with our subject.
Let our enthusiasm rub off on you.

3. These poor immigrants would arrive at the Irongate steps, near Tower Bridge, from where they would usually go to the Temporary shelter in Leman Street (later in Mansell Street), where they would be given food, clothing and a place to rest before they were encouraged to go out to make their mark in the world.

Although the majority of the Jewish population arrived from Russia and Eastern Europe, there was already a thriving Jewish population in East London, comprised of Jews from Holland, Germany and Portugal.

4. The earliest synagogue for Ashkenazi Jews (German, Russian) was the Great Synagogue, Duke's Place.

This was established in 1690, but was completely destroyed in the Blitz of World War 2 in 1941.

The most famous rabbi, Nathan Adler, was a friend of Queen Victoria, who not only was instrumental in gaining him this position, but also made him Chief Rabbi of the whole British Empire!

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