Gloucester has an unexpected and fascinating Jewish history linked to the military and port history of the city. There have been two distinctive organised Jewish communities in Gloucester - one established in the 12th century and ended by the time of the general Expulsion of the Jews in 1290, and a second community, established perhaps even as early as 1685. This, if correct, makes it one of the first provincial Jewish settlements out-side of London, after the resettlement of the Jews in England in 1655. There is also a modern Jewish population in modern-day Gloucester, but no organised community life, or synagogue, as most Jews, with a religious affiliation, are members of the nearby Cheltenham Synagogue. Read More