The historic Welsh synagogue is set to become a Jewish heritage centre, Prince Charles discovers on his trip
Standing at the top of Bryntirion Road, the Victorian Gothic structure of Merthyr Tydfil synagogue has loomed since the 1870s. For over a century this Grade II-listed building functioned as a working synagogue until finally closing its doors due to the dwindling Jewish community in 1983. It was used for various purposes until 2006, but has remained empty since and Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, formally designated it last year as being at risk.
HRH The Prince of Wales made his first trip to the synagogue on 14 May to discover plans to give life back to this deteriorating piece of history. Welcomed by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage (FJH) – who bought the building in 2019 and carried out urgent repairs thanks to 50% funding from Cadw – Prince Charles was given a tour and told the history of the Jewish community of Merthyr. He was also shown photographs of the building’s interior when it served as a synagogue as well as artist impressions of what it will look like once transformed into the proposed Welsh Jewish Heritage Centre.
“Merthyr Tydfil, which was Wales’ largest town in the 19th century, is home to what is the most important historic synagogue building still standing in Wales,” said Michael Mail, chief executive of FJH. “We have been delighted to host this very special visit by The Prince of Wales, which in itself underscores the significance of the building.”
Dame Helen Hyde, chair of FJH, added: “The synagogue represents a flagship project for the Foundation and we have an exciting vision for the future of the building, which we were thrilled to share with The Prince.”
The Prince’s Foundation is assisting the project, which will, once completed, present the remarkable 250+ years of Jewish experience in Wales, provide a new cultural venue for Merthyr, and promote interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue.
By Danielle Goldstein
Visit foundationforjewishheritage.com to learn more about the Merthyr Tydfil synagogue project.