Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk

Although a handful of Jews lived in Medieval Grimsby the modern community began in the middle of the 18^th century. Being a port, Grimsby attracted many immigrants. Some were passing through while others stayed. The first synagogue was established in 1874. Due to lack of funds, it took three years to build the first purpose-built synagogue (Sir Moses Montefiore Synagogue). Grimsby's Jewish community is on the decline.

There is a small Jewish cemetery in Ipswich. The graves are from the early to mid-19th century. Access is difficult because it is on the private land of a malting firm in the docks area. This confirms the presence of a larger Jewish community in the past. It is unclear whether there might have been a synagogue (today the nearest is in Colchester) although there is a tiny Jewish section in the modern cemetery.

(Information for this page was submitted by Estelle Wolfers)

New Jewish Small Communities:
This website has information on many aspects of Jewish life, but will be of particular interest to those whose ancestors were not in the large cities but in small communities. A List of Communities can be found here.

Connected Histories:
A site bringing together British History Sources, 1500-1900, including the Charles Booth Archive, 18th century newspapers, Old Bailey Online, London Lives, 1690-1800. Free to search although some of the resources are only available by subscription, but you can see extracts of the records.