Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground

Bridges through History

Bridges through History will create a permanent exhibition at the historic Bath Jewish Burial Ground. Set within the restored caretaker’s cottage, the exhibition will tell the story of Bath’s Jewish community from the eighteenth century to the present day. Through interpretation panels, personal stories, artefacts, photographs and short films, visitors will discover the lives of the people buried here and the community they formed. By sharing this history, the project will create a welcoming space where visitors can explore heritage, reflect on themes of identity and belonging, and discover connections across communities and faiths

On the edge of Bath, hidden behind high stone walls, is a small historic burial ground that holds the story of the city’s Jewish community. Established in 1812, the Bath Jewish Burial Ground is the last surviving physical trace of a community that was once  active in the commercial, cultural and religious life of the city. Over the past decade, the Friends of the Bath Jewish Burial Ground, a small volunteer-led charity, have worked to restore the site and uncover the stories of the people buried there, and the history of their Synagogue and Burial Ground.

Bridges through History, will bring those stories and histories to life. Inside the restored caretaker’s cottage at the entrance to the cemetery, a permanent exhibition will introduce visitors to the lives, families and experiences of Bath’s Jewish residents across more than two centuries. Interpretation panels, artefacts uncovered during conservation work, photographs and short films will help visitors explore how the community developed, the businesses they ran, their religious life and how their story connects with the wider history of the city and anglo-Jewish history. 

The Burial Ground already welcomes hundreds of visitors each year through open days and guided tours. The new exhibition will provide a place where people can spend time with these stories — learning about individuals buried at the site and gaining a deeper understanding of a lesser-known part of Bath’s heritage. 

By sharing the experiences of a small minority community, the project also invites reflection on wider themes that remain relevant today: migration, identity, belonging and community. Through this history and personal stories from the past, Bridges through History aims to help visitors see the connections between different histories, and cultures, building understanding and dialogue across communities today
 

For more information please see the Bath Jewish Burial Ground website by clicking here.