Old Synagogue, Canterbury
| Old Synagogue, Canterbury | |
|---|---|
The former synagogue in 2014, now part of The King's School | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Orthodox Judaism (former) |
| Rite | Nusach Ashkenaz |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status |
|
| Status |
|
| Location | |
| Location | 944 King Street, Canterbury, England |
| Country | United Kingdom |
Location of the former synagogue in Canterbury | |
| Geographic coordinates | 51°16′55″N 1°4′51″E / 51.28194°N 1.08083°E |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Hezekiah Marshall |
| Type | Synagogue architecture |
| Style | Egyptian Revival |
| Date established | 1720 (as a congregation) |
| Completed | 1848 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 12 metres (40 ft) |
| Width | 8.2 metres (27 ft) |
| Height (max) | 9.1 metres (30 ft) |
| Materials | Portland cement |
Listed Building – Grade II | |
| Official name | St Alphege Church Hall, King Street |
| Type | Listed building |
| Designated | 7 September 1973 |
| Reference no. | 1240866 |
The Old Synagogue is a former Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, located at 944 King Street in Canterbury, Kent, England, in the United Kingdom. Established in 1720, the congregation worshiped in the Ashkenazi rite until it was dissolved in c. 1911. Between 2008 and 2004, a non-denominational Jewish community occasionally worshiped in the former synagogue.
The former synagogue building was completed in 1848 and restored in 1889. The building is considered to be the best example of a synagogue completed in the Egyptian Revival style, and was listed as a Grade II building in 1973. The building was used as a synagogue until c. 1911, sold in 1937 and subsequently used as a church hall and, since 1982, by The King's School for musical performances.
Although several synagogues and churches were built in the Egyptian Revival style in the early nineteenth century, only a few are known to survive, including the Hobart Synagogue in Tasmania, Australia, the Downtown Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tennessee and the First Presbyterian Church, in Sag Harbor, New York.