Building record MDO32860 - Synagogue, Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth

The OS 4th edn 1:2500 map (1933) <1> shows a synagogue on a site between Wootton Gardens and Glenfern Road, S of Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. A substantial brick-built synagogue is extant on the site (Google Street View).

In 1905, a Hebrew Congregation was established in Bournemouth. For the following six years weekly services were held in temporary accommodation until 1911 when a synagogue was built in Wootton Gardens to the designs of Lawson and Reynolds of Bournemouth. The 1960s saw a considerable increase in the number of worshippers from fewer than 50 families at the time the synagogue opened to around 900. To meet this increased demand the synagogue, under the guiding control of Henry Solomon, was rebuilt in 1964. At the same time the social hall that had been erected in 1923, was improved. An additional development took place in 1973 when an adjacent hotel was acquired, demolished and replaced with the Murray Muscat Centre, built abutting the Synagogue. Officially opened by the Chief Rabbi, the Very Rev. Immanuel Jakobovits, in July 1974, this building comprises a large banqueting hall which can seat 200 guests, and has both meat and milk kitchens; on the floor above are five fully equipped classrooms. To the second floor there are two self-contained flats, occupied by Synagogue staff. The entire Centre is named to honour Murray Muscat, the Congregations' former Trustee and Honorary Solicitor.

<1> Ordnance Survey, 1934-38, Ordnance Survey 25-inch map, epoch four (Map). SDO11596.

<2> Historic England, Historic England Archive, BF108604 (Index). SDO14738.

Survey of the Jewish Built Heritage

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1402635 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Mar 24 2022 2:37PM