A hidden medieval Jewish cemetery, once believed to be lost, has been rediscovered beneath the Barbican Estates in London, close to the remnants of an ancient wall within the Thomas More Garden. The Barbican cemetery and surrounding buildings had been destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, and when the Barbican residential complex was built starting in the 1960s it was constructed directly over where the cemetery had once stood.
The burial ground has been dated back (1066-1157) to the early Norman period, making it the first Jewish cemetery in England. It remained in use until the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290, after which the site was desecrated and fell into neglect.
The Jewish Square Mile Project: A Cultural Revival
The project to rediscover the cemetery was spearheaded by the Jewish Square Mile project, a volunteer group founded by Howard and Gaby Morris, reports The Metro UK. After hearing long-standing rumors of the cemetery, the couple dedicated themselves to finding it.
They were drawn to the stories shared by Father Jack Noble of St Giles Cripplegate, an ancient church within the Barbican, who gathered a group of Jewish residents to investigate whether the burial ground existed and, if so, to find its exact location.
Outline of hidden Jewish cemetery overlaid on modern map of Barbican Estates. (Liebelsch/CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Jewish Square Mile project now includes individuals from across the spectrum. This diverse group consists of a medieval historian and writer, researchers, and an architect, as well as musicians and composers.
Their aim is to uncover the forgotten stories of the Jewish community that lived in medieval London, and to resurrect a storied history that’s been instrumental in shaping the modern identity of London. The Jewish community ended up becoming one of the largest communities in medieval London, and the Jewish Square Mile Project seeks to explore the everyday lives, families, education, and culture of that community.
The project also plans to host various events, including a performance by a Jewish choir at the Moat Theatre of the City of London School for Girls, reports Jewish News. An exhibition will also delve into the tragic aspects of medieval Jewish history in England, such as the massacres and expulsions the people endured, while also celebrating their cultural and economic contributions during the two centuries they lived in the city before Edward I’s decree forced them to leave in 1290.
Reverend Canon Jack Noble of St Giles Cripplegate played an important role in this, bringing together what would eventually become the Jewish Square Mile team.
Jewish Community in London: A Storied History
The Jewish community was first brought to London by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman invasion. Brought over primarily for their financial expertise, Jews lived under the protection of the Crown but were not granted the full rights of free citizens. Slowly, they became an integral part of the economic set up, acting as money lenders (forbidden for Christians), and integrating into the social scene as lawyers, doctors, goldsmiths, even poets.
In fact, through this project, it is hoped that the long-standing and often harmful stereotypes of Jewish people as mere moneylenders or usurers, as depicted in literary works like “Ivanhoe” or Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”, to whom the famous ‘pound of flesh’ allegory is attributed to, will be dispelled.
While they had little ownership, even of their own possessions, they were allowed to maintain a burial ground where they could observe their customs. This provided them with a sense of permanence and belonging in an otherwise restrictive environment.
Aerial view of the Barbican Estates. (Suttonpubcrawl/CC BY 3.0)
The Jewish residents of medieval London established a small but thriving community, with synagogues, schools, and a burial ground. Despite their contributions to the economic and cultural life of London, they faced increasing restrictions and hostility over time, fueled by anti-Semitic sentiment. By 1290, under the reign of Edward I, Jews were officially expelled from England, marking the end of this early chapter of Jewish history in the city.
Jewish life in London resumed centuries later, following the readmission of Jews to England by Oliver Cromwell in 1656. This period marked a new era for the community, which grew significantly in size and influence over the following centuries. The Jews of London established synagogues, schools, and charitable organizations, becoming integral to the city’s development.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, the community expanded further, with waves of Jewish immigrants arriving from Eastern Europe. Today, Jewish Londoners continue to play an important role in the city’s cultural, social, and economic life, maintaining their heritage while contributing to the modern, diverse fabric of London. The rediscovery of the ancient cemetery is helping this community reconnect with their roots, which go back nearly 1,000 years into the past.
Top image: Water gardens inside Barbican Estates, over the old cemetery Source: Fred Romero/CC BY 2.0
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By Sahir Pandey