Bath Jewish Burial Ground
Greendown Place, Bradford Road, Combe Down, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5DD
In 1812, four men from Bath’s Jewish community leased this piece of land with a small cottage, on the edge of a stone quarry in Combe Down, Bath. The first burial, Sarah Moses, was in 1812. The burial ground was later extended, and a small adjoining strip of land was acquired in the mid-19th century. The cemetery continued in use until the early 1920s (when the community was so small in number, the site was no longer used), but research indicates that there were some later burials. Just over 40 headstones and tombs are visible today, but we know there are a similar number not marked - headstones have been lost or families could not afford to have one made. Our research has identified many more individuals, and we are still uncovering hidden graves and fragments of inscriptions.
Volunteers from the Friends of Bath Jewish Burial Ground, a registered charity, have worked hard to conserve and restore some of the headstones and the surrounding walls. We’ve researched the names on the headstones, and the life and times of the community in Bath 1700-1945, using Census records and other sources - our recently-published book "Jews in Bath 1700-1945" tells a fascinating story of families, trades and professions, and migration routes from so many places across Europe.
Find out about the people buried here - a previously hidden history that gives a wider view of life in the city than the popular Regency picture.
Greendown Place, Bradford Road, Combe Down, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5DD
We have a portable ramp. There are shallow steps down at entrance, with a handrail. The site has uneven ground and there is some risk of tripping. We provide a few benches and chairs for people who cannot walk or stand for very long. Please note, there are no toilets on site, but there are toilets at The Hub cafe, Mulberry Park, 5-10 minutes walk away. This is a cemetery and visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful of its peaceful atmosphere and significance. Children must be supervised at all times, no running. No dogs allowed on site, please (assistance dogs only).