Blue plaque marks where medieval synagogue stood in Coney Street

The 13th century synagogue stood at the site of what is now Next in Coney Street, according to the York Civic Trust.

A blue plaque has been placed on the façade of the building which houses the clothing store to highlight this.

The synagogue, dating from 1205 to 1290, was at the heart of Jewish medieval life in the city, at a time when York was amongst the most important Jewish centres in the country.

Dr Duncan Marks, of the York Civic Trust, said: “This is the first blue plaque celebrating Jewish heritage in York.

“Just as the city today is culturally diverse, so too was our past, and should be celebrated.”

The blue plaque in Coney Street (Image: York Civic Trust)

The information about the synagogue was revealed by University of York researchers, who were exploring the history of Coney Street as part of the government-funded StreetLife: York project.

They found that it was built after the anti-Semitic massacre at Clifford’s Tower in 1190, when York’s entire Jewish community was killed.

'I hope it served only as a spiritual refuge,' says rabbi of synagogue built after massacre 

York’s first resident rabbi in 800 years, Rabbi Dr Elisheva Salamo, uncovered the plaque on Monday afternoon (September 11).

“We stand at the locus of an old hope after terrible times for Jews in York and throughout England,” she said. “This second synagogue must have housed many scholarly debates, Shabbat prayers, and holiday celebrations.

Rabbi Dr Elisheva Salamo (left) and Dr Louise Hampson (right) with the blue plaque in Coney Street (Image: York Civic Trust)

“I hope it served only as a spiritual refuge and teaching centre for all who dwelt in the city of York.

“It was erected in counterpoint to the rebuilt Clifford's Tower, which was burned during the massacre.

“So do we hope to establish the building of our modern Jewish community, rising again in the face of antisemitism, as a strong, welcoming and holy place, a sign that Jews remain part of our wonderful city.”

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Dr Louise Hampson, from the University of York and StreetLife project, said the significance of the Jewish community to York’s history in the 12th and 13th centuries was known but “has not been fully appreciated”.

“We are continuing to uncover new information which is revealing just how central the cooperation between the Jewish community and the other powerbrokers in York was to the development of the medieval city.

“I am delighted that in this ongoing work we can take this step in bringing this history into the mainstream and to wider attention.”

Dr Louise Hampson during the unveiling of the plaque ceremony in Coney Street (Image: York Civic Trust)

The Next building is – like other buildings in Coney Street – set to be revamped as part of major regeneration proposals should they be approved.

York-based Helmsley Group is behind the project, called Coney Street Riverside, and helped install the plaque.

“With its rich history spanning back to Roman times, Coney Street has long been a key commercial and cultural hub in the city,” said Max Reeves, director of the group. “As proposals for the Coney Street Riverside project are developed, it’s important to recognize and preserve this heritage, ensuring we respect the street’s historical importance while contributing to the city’s evolving identity.”