Jewish Westminster - 1000 Years of History

This walk will set out the history of the Jewish Community in London from the first recorded Jews who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066, through to the expulsion of the community in 1290 by Edward I and eventual readmission after the Civil War, by Oliver Cromwell in 1656. The walk will look at medieval attitudes to the Jewish Community, those forced to convert and, following readmission, how Jews were able to become Members of Parliament and Leaders of political parties from the 19th century onwards. Those attending will hear about how Jews helped to fund some of the oldest buildings in London and the contributions Jewish men and women made to WWI and WW2 and how they now are a key part of daily life in Westminster.