Cardiff Jewish Heritage Trail
Source: The Jewish History Association of South Wales/Cymdeithas Hanes Iddwig De Cymru (JHASW/CHIDC) ©
The trail tells the history of Cardiff Jewish communities through nearly fifty different locations. In addition to descriptions and pictures, the trail includes links to collections and audio excerpts from oral histories on the People’s Collection Wales.
The Jewish History Association of South Wales/Cymdeithas Hanes Iddwig De Cymru has created a digital Cardiff Jewish heritage trail in three parts. You can follow the trail virtually at home on your computer or visit the sites using your mobile phone.
The trail tells the history of Cardiff Jewish communities through nearly fifty different locations. In addition to descriptions and pictures, the trail includes links to collections and audio excerpts from oral histories on the People’s Collection Wales.
Central Cardiff
The first part covers the development of the Cardiff Jewish community during the 19th century, together with some businesses from the first half of the 20th century. Unfortunately, Cardiff has been subject to much redevelopment and therefore almost all the sites on this trail have either been demolished or are no longer in Jewish use. The trail visits the sites of early synagogues, the Jewish business centre around Bridge Street and the early sites of the mikvah, a junior school and the social club.
Westwards
The second part reflects the movement of the Jewish community westwards into Riverside, Grangetown and Canton in the later 19th century. After a brief visit to Cardiff Bay, the trail visits two late nineteenth century synagogues, an early site of what is believed to be the oldest surviving oldest surviving Jewish-owned business in Cardiff, an arts centre and two cemeteries.
Northwards
The third part reflects the movement of the focus of the Jewish community northwards to Roath, Penylan and Cyncoed in the twentieth century. After a visit to the walls of the oldest cemetery, the trail visits the site of the demolished 1955 synagogue and a care home, discovers more contributions to the arts, and the last Jewish bakery and butcher shops. The trial also includes the development of Reform Judaism, and finishes at the gated Cardiff United Synagogue.