About the project

The West London Synagogue of British Jews was founded in 1840 as the first Reform Jewish Community in the UK. Many of the pioneers and early leaders of this movement—the British Reform Movement—are buried at Balls Pond Road Cemetery, the first of its kind in Britain. Balls Pond Road Cemetery was founded in 1843 and closed for burials over a century later in 1951. It is a site of great importance in the history of Reform Judaism and is the resting place of Jewish Reform pioneers such as Sir Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, co-founder of University College London; and poet and novelist, Amy Levy.

A grant of £190,731 has been awarded jointly to Islington Council and the West London Synagogue of British Jews for the project ‘Jewish Reform Pioneers – Uncovering BPR Cemetery’s Hidden Stories.’ This project will make a huge difference to the site’s long-term future. The grant allows for surveys to inform a site management plan to help guide future work across restoration, maintenance, public engagement and biodiversity. It will also shine a light on the great thinkers, writers, philanthropists and scientists buried at BPR Cemetery and allow the stories of their contributions to be told once more.

We look forward to working with residents, congregants of the West London Synagogue, community groups, schools and the inter-faith communities to rediscover Balls Pond Road Cemetery, and to work together to make a lasting and sustainable community asset.