Jewish Ancestors

The History

The Jewish Community is one of the most traveled in the world having been resident in Britain since at least the time of the Roman occupation.

Although many members have been integrated into the wider community many members have retained their identity and traditions supplemented by a constant flow of Jewish immigrants to the UK.

This movement was increased from the late 1700's onwards with numbers of the Jewish community growing tenfold and spreading from the traditional areas in London.

Although as was the case throughout Europe there was some persecution the Jewish Community thrived and became respected to the point that in 1753 the Marriage Act only exempted  the Jewish and Quakers religions from the regulation that required everyone to marry in an Anglican Church.

Although events such as marriages were often held in synagogues they were also held in private homes and public places. The wedding was valid if witnessed and accompanied by a marriage contract.

What records can you find?

Databases at Jewish Genealogy and  the Jewish Genealogical society of Great Britain

Census Returns

Local Newspapers

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Jewish Genealogy is a good place to start.

There are many pages of information as well as useful databases

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The Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain is another good site with information and a helpful membership that will deal with queries.

The star attraction is a database for 1851 which claims to contain the names of 95% of Jews living in the UK.

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The Jewish Web Index is not as comprehensive as the previous two sites but is worth a visit.