Restoration work at the historic synagogue in Exeter, England – built in 1763 and the third oldest in the UK — was finished in time for celebrations this month marking its 250th anniversary.
The Jewish Chronicle reports that the £118,000 repair work brought encroaching damp under control.
Previous restoration work on the synagogue, which is a Georgian building listed as a Grade II heritage site, has included renewal of the Georgian panelling behind the seats, complete reconstruction of the roof light, installation of central heating, and a major restoration of the synagogue’s historic ark.
Exeter’s Jewish community numbers only about 120 people, spread over southwest England.