The Ark Synagogue

History

This abandoned grade 2 listed synagogue was built in 1936/1937 and was designed by architect Ernest Alfred Shennan. Built in a rare Art Deco design it features a standard brick-faced façade but has distinctive tall vertical windows. The synagogue closed in 2008 after serving the local Jewish community for over 70 years as the congregation merged with another local synagogue. The synagogue was given upgraded grade 2 status and features on the Heritage at risk register. Future plans include conversion of the building into sheltered housing for the Jewish community, however t, is scheme is likely to be abandoned in favour of the sale of the building to a third party organisation. I have recently read that a lot of the contents have been removed from the building including the scrolls in order to preserve them from vandalism, Scaffolding has also been erected around part of the building where it seems repairs to the roof maybe taking place.

Our Visit

Visited with Kriegaffe9 and AndyK from Behind Closed Doors and also bumped into Perjury Saint and Ninja Kitten who were already there when we arrived (Nice to see you guys again!). We spent most of the day here so there are lots of photos. Favourite parts have to be the main Ark and the room with the scrolls in as well as the bay window room which also housed the wheelchair at the time of our visit. The place was great to explore, lots of contents to photograph and we were blessed with some nice light early in the morning when we arrived :). Enjoy the photos:

Don’t forget to check out more photos and information about this place in the following reports:

The Ark February 2014 Part 2

Greenbank Synagogue Revisit November 2014

If you’ve made it this far… thanks for reading / checking out the pictures. Leave me a comment below or hit the like button to let me know you’ve enjoyed the shots and to encourage me to keep posting more 🙂

Limited Edition prints and Canvases, as well as regular prints, are available for all of the images above on request and visit the store for more prints and products.

Urbex Prints

Follow us on Social Media: