Princes Road Synagogue, Liverpool

Princes Road Synagogue stands in Toxteth, a district of Liverpool. It is an Orthodox Jewish place of worship built in the 19th century. The building follows the Ashkenazi rite and was designed by Scottish architect brothers William James Audsley and George Ashdown Audsley. Completed in 1874, it is regarded as the finest example of Moorish Revival synagogue architecture in the United Kingdom. The synagogue is a Grade I listed building and its design was emulated in Sydney, Australia. The synagogue reflects the wealth and status of Liverpool’s Jewish community in the late 19th century. It was funded partly by a bazaar and luncheon organised by the ladies of the Liverpool Old Hebrew Congregation, which raised about £3,000. The interior decoration was supported by this event, and the community’s influence extended to commissioning Max Bruch to compose Kol Nidre variations for cello and orchestra. The building also features on a coronation stamp celebrating religious diversity. Visitors find a striking brick façade with terracotta decoration and a large Moorish portal. Inside, the central nave is separated from aisles by octagonal columns supporting galleries. The nave has a barrel vault lit by clerestory windows, and the interior is richly decorated with gilding, fine woods and marbles. The synagogue remains in use for Shabbat mornings, holidays, weddings and b’nai mitzvah ceremonies.