Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1846-1950 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
0.4 linear metres
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
A school existed as part of the Western Synagogue from 1820 and at that time the aim of the school was "that male children of the Jewish persuasion (whose parents are unable to afford them educated) be instructed in Hebrew and English reading, writing and arithmetic; that the principle of religion be carefully inculcated and every exertion used to render them good and useful members of society".
The School was funded by voluntary contributions and classes were held at the teachers homes. The children were admitted from age 5 to 12 and discharged at 13. In addition to instruction, the boys received gifts of clothing and on barmitzvah an entire new outfit was provided.
By 1837 the school committee had decided to rent premises in Stanhope Street but by 1843 this was too small and a new school was opened in Greek Street. The equivalent girls school opened in 1846 at Richmond Buildings, Dean Street and shortly after moved to Greek Street. Its aims were '... the diffusion of religion and knowledge of moral and social principles among the young and ignorant.'
In 1853 the 2 schools were amalgamated and named the Westminster Jews Free School. It remained at Greet Street until 1882 when it became obvious the school was no longer big enough. A new school was built in Hanway Place and consecrated in July 1883 and could now accommodate 500 children. By 1911 the school numbers had decreased dramatically and on 31 December 1945 the school officially closed down.
Repository
Archival history
GB 0074 LMA/4047 1846-1950 Collection 0.4 linear metres Westminster Jews Free School
A school existed as part of the Western Synagogue from 1820 and at that time the aim of the school was "that male children of the Jewish persuasion (whose parents are unable to afford them educated) be instructed in Hebrew and English reading, writing and arithmetic; that the principle of religion be carefully inculcated and every exertion used to render them good and useful members of society".
The School was funded by voluntary contributions and classes were held at the teachers homes. The children were admitted from age 5 to 12 and discharged at 13. In addition to instruction, the boys received gifts of clothing and on barmitzvah an entire new outfit was provided.
By 1837 the school committee had decided to rent premises in Stanhope Street but by 1843 this was too small and a new school was opened in Greek Street. The equivalent girls school opened in 1846 at Richmond Buildings, Dean Street and shortly after moved to Greek Street. Its aims were '... the diffusion of religion and knowledge of moral and social principles among the young and ignorant.'
In 1853 the 2 schools were amalgamated and named the Westminster Jews Free School. It remained at Greet Street until 1882 when it became obvious the school was no longer big enough. A new school was built in Hanway Place and consecrated in July 1883 and could now accommodate 500 children. By 1911 the school numbers had decreased dramatically and on 31 December 1945 the school officially closed down.
Deposited in May 1998.
Records of the Westminster Jews Free School, 1846-1950. This is a short series of records and consists of minutes and financial accounts. The minutes date from 1846 and include the first minute book of the Jewish Girls Free School (1846-1853) which contains lists of pupils and letters.
The records have been arranged in the following series: Administration (LMA/4047/A); and Finance (LMA/4047/B).
These records are available for public inspection, although records containing personal information are subject to access restrictions under the UK Data Protection Act, 1998.
Copyright to these records rests with the depositor.
English
Fit.
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Associated records for Jewish Education may be found in the records of the Jews Free School (LMA/4046; LMA/4290 and LMA/4297).
For further information please consult the LMA Information Leaflet: "Records of the Anglo-Jewish Community at London Metropolitan Archives"; available to download here: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Records_and_archives/Visitor_information/free_information_leaflets.htm (URL correct Feb 2010).
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
Description prepared in March 2010. Cultural identity Jewish Charity schools Educational institutions Schools Denominational schools Religious groups Jews Social science education Religious education Judaism Ancient religions Religions Westminster Jews Free School London England UK Western Europe Europe
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Deposited in May 1998.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Records of the Westminster Jews Free School, 1846-1950. This is a short series of records and consists of minutes and financial accounts. The minutes date from 1846 and include the first minute book of the Jewish Girls Free School (1846-1853) which contains lists of pupils and letters.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
The records have been arranged in the following series: Administration (LMA/4047/A); and Finance (LMA/4047/B).
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
These records are available for public inspection, although records containing personal information are subject to access restrictions under the UK Data Protection Act, 1998.
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright to these records rests with the depositor.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
- Latin
Language and script notes
English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Associated records for Jewish Education may be found in the records of the Jews Free School (LMA/4046; LMA/4290 and LMA/4297).
Finding aids
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English