A slice of Jewish life from the Second World War in North Devon
I visited the lovely fishing town of Ilfracombe the other day and stumbled across this hidden historical gem!
During the Second World War, North Devon hosted thousands of Jewish refugees from Austria and Germany, many of whom joined the Pioneer Corps and saw active service behind the lines of occupied Europe.
As a testament to the number of Jewish people who had made Ilfracombe their home, a synagogue was founded above a hotel at 17 St James’ Place.
With the arrival of US forces into North Devon (who used the beaches of the area to train for the D-Day landings), the synagogue’s congregation grew due the presence of American Jewish soldiers stationed in the area.
The synagogue’s Rabbi was a British army chaplain, and Bar Mitzvahs were performed here as well as regular services.
Incredibly, the only known Jewish wedding to have ever taken place in Ilfracombe took place here in 1945!
Today, the building houses a restaurant and hotel.