Great Synagogue Cheetham Hill Road Manchester

Foundation: Wednesday 29 April, 1857 (6617)
Consecration: March 1858

Standing opposite the Town Hall on land purchased from the agent of the Earl of Derby at a cost of 8d per square yard the Great Synagogue was built in a style described by the architect as "Italianate". However, all the interest was concentrated on the stone‑faced western elevation of the building facing Cheetham Hill Road, the other sides being reduced to 'patent pressed' red stock brick with stone dressings to the  windows.  The main western facade comprised two closed bays containing the staircases to the Ladies Gallery surmounted by low cupolas between which was a covered loggia 24 feet by 12 feet, supported by an elaborate Corinthian balustrade. The building was approached by twelve steps each 40 feet long leading to a row of polished stone columns before the entrance.  The interior is thought to have been based on that of the Great St Helen's Synagogue, London of 1838, and had space for '372 gentlemen, 9 boys or pupils and 60 free sittings'. It was arranged in traditional style with a central reading desk and the seats arranged laterally below the Ladies' Gallery. The Ark stood at the east end, approached by five steps and flanked by wooden pedestals supporting brass candelabra. Much of the interior woodwork was elaborately carved of Spanish mahogany by a local joiner, Thomas Tuny.

 The building was in use for more than a century until there were no longer sufficient Jews living near enough for regular service. The building was vacated in 1974 and is since demolished.

Reference           Manchester Guardian Saturday 3 January 1857 Page 7 Column 1 - contracts
Reference           Builder 21 February 1857 Page 106
Reference           Manchester Courier 2 May 1857 page