IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0074 LMA/4047
Held at: London Metropolitan Archives
Title: WESTMINSTER JEWS FREE SCHOOL
Date(s): 1846-1950
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 0.4 linear metres
Name of creator(s): Westminster Jews Free School
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
A school existed as part of the Western Synagogue from 1820 and at that time the aim of the school was "that male children of the Jewish persuasion (whose parents are unable to afford them educated) be instructed in Hebrew and English reading, writing and arithmetic; that the principle of religion be carefully inculcated and every exertion used to render them good and useful members of society".
The School was funded by voluntary contributions and classes were held at the teachers homes. The children were admitted from age 5 to 12 and discharged at 13. In addition to instruction, the boys received gifts of clothing and on barmitzvah an entire new outfit was provided.
By 1837 the school committee had decided to rent premises in Stanhope Street but by 1843 this was too small and a new school was opened in Greek Street. The equivalent girls school opened in 1846 at Richmond Buildings, Dean Street and shortly after moved to Greek Street. Its aims were '... the diffusion of religion and knowledge of moral and social principles among the young and ignorant.'
In 1853 the 2 schools were amalgamated and named the Westminster Jews Free School. It remained at Greet Street until 1882 when it became obvious the school was no longer big enough. A new school was built in Hanway Place and consecrated in July 1883 and could now accommodate 500 children. By 1911 the school numbers had decreased dramatically and on 31 December 1945 the school officially closed down.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of the Westminster Jews Free School, 1846-1950. This is a short series of records and consists of minutes and financial accounts. The minutes date from 1846 and include the first minute book of the Jewish Girls Free School (1846-1853) which contains lists of pupils and letters.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
The records have been arranged in the following series: Administration (LMA/4047/A); and Finance (LMA/4047/B).
Conditions governing access:
These records are available for public inspection, although records containing personal information are subject to access restrictions under the UK Data Protection Act, 1998.
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copyright to these records rests with the depositor.
Physical characteristics:
Fit.
Finding aids:
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
Deposited in May 1998.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Related material:
Associated records for Jewish Education may be found in the records of the Jews Free School (LMA/4046; LMA/4290 and LMA/4297).
Publication note:
For further information please consult the LMA Information Leaflet: "Records of the Anglo-Jewish Community at London Metropolitan Archives"; available to download here: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Records_and_archives/Visitor_information/free_information_leaflets.htm (URL correct Feb 2010).
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Date(s) of descriptions: Description prepared in March 2010.