Knaresborough Synagogue
A little different from our usual churches, we came across this reference to a Synagogue in Knaresborough and so naturally had to find out about it. Our Ren loves a blue plaque and makes it her mission for the stories to be heard. Back in the 13th century a Jewish community established themselves within Knaresborough and naturally needed a place to worship. So one was set up, but even then it was slightly hidden as it was to the rear of the buildings situated at the end of Synagogue Lane. The exact location of the Synagogue has been lost to history, but not that long after in 1275 the Knaresborough Jewish community dissolved, then 15 years later Jews were banished from England as a whole. The idea of the Jewish bedding down within Knaresborough has been widely disputed due to lack of evidence. The building of Synagogues was forbidden as of 1222 so we know with some form of certainty that the Synagogue would have stood before then, it is just a difficult one as obvious...
