Synagogue

PLYMOUTH

SX4754 CATHERINE STREET, Plymouth 740-1/57/358 (West side) 25/01/54 Synagogue

GV II*

Synagogue. Founded 1762, remodelled interior 1862 and to front and rear after 1874. Stuccoed walls; dry slate roof with coped gable ends; stepped acroterion to front gable. Rectangular aisle-less plan. EXTERIOR: single storey; 2-windows to front end with oculus with star of David above; 3 windows to each side, all round-arched windows with coloured leaded glass, and 2-storey entrance end with 4 windows within eared architraves to 1st floor. 3 segmental arched doorways with continuous cornice consoles. INTERIOR: virtually complete C18 interior with latticed women's gallery with thin iron columns, extended to N and S sides in 1862; 2 fluted Corinthian columns flanking an arch filled with a coffered pattern and with large urns to the entablature; the Bimah to centre surrounded by C18 turned balustrade surmounted by 8 original brass candlesticks; original pine benches; carved wooden ark, lavishly decorated and gilded, and set of silver bells. This is the oldest English Ashkenazi synagogue, and in a national context is a remarkable example which both predates and is more complete than any other synagogues. (The Buildings of England: Pevsner N: Devon: London: 1989-: 648).

Listing NGR: SX4786954354