Synagogue

The Synagogue, built in 1764, is a Grade II* listed building located on Mary Arches Street. It features a rendered exterior over local stone rubble and has a slate double hipped roof with a central lantern. The building is two stories high with a three-window stucco front facing the street, and the ground floor is rusticated. The entrance is framed by Greek Doric columns and leads to a mid-19th century double-leaf panelled door with a decorative overlight.

Inside, there is an internal lobby with a moulded cornice and panelled doors set in moulded architraves. To the right, the caretaker's quarters include a mid-18th century staircase with turned balusters. The synagogue is designed with the same layout as the one in Plymouth but accommodates half the number of people. It features a large coved cornice and a ladies' gallery, which has bookrests fixed by hinges to the gallery front, supported by painted columns. The panelled front of the gallery is topped with a screen of brass railings.

A raised reading desk with candelabra is present, along with a similar screen. The pews are designed with tilting bookrests for standing use above scrolled armrests, which is a unique feature. The Ark resembles the one in Plymouth but includes a scrolled pediment above the Decalogue, showcasing the work of travelling joiners who copied architectural details. This synagogue is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture and is one of the most complete synagogues in the country.