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Guildford Medieval Synagogue

50-54 High St, Guildford GU1 3ES, UK
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Guildford Medieval Synagogue
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Alex Goldberg (10/25/2017)
Remains of the Medieval Synagogue... The chamber was discovered in 1995 when excavations where taking place on the site. Archaeologists discovered a chamber with steps down from street level. It was ornately decorated with pattern designs. In the East of the room is an alcove and a pillar where scorch marks demonstrate that a light was often burning in this place. The assumption is that the alcove is the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) and the mark is left from a Ner Tamid (Everlasting Light). Being the only chamber of its kind in England, there has been much dispute over its use, but the most popular theory and all the evidence points towards the probability that Guildford has the oldest synagogue remains in the British Isles and one of the oldest in Western Europe. Artefacts were recovered from the site by Guildford Museum. Whilst 20 years have passed since the discover, unfortunately, the actual chamber is under concrete, although both the owners of the site and commentators have expressed their regret at not having a glass floor!
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