Missing Pieces Project: Jewish Queer Pathways
The UK has a rich Jewish queer history that dates back at least to the 19th century.
As a part of the Missing Pieces Project, Historic England has created a map of listed locations that has queer Jewish history and significance. From the origin of the pink triangle to old pubs in London, each location tells an important story.
About the map
At first glance, many of the places may seem quite ordinary. But for queer Jews, they were vibrant social spaces and homes away from persecution. Being queer and Jewish are 2 identities that haven't been traditionally 'compatible' and so have faced ostracisation. It's vital that we keep this heritage alive, as too many queer Jewish stories were sadly lost to the Holocaust.
Representation is essential, which is why this project leads with a people-centred approach. Queer spaces are often linked with one another and need a network of people to flourish. It’s less about the actual buildings and more about the stories of the people inside.
A queer space can range from well-known locations such as The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, to private unknown spaces like the homes of people belonging to the Jewish Gay Group founded in the 1960s.
Click through the pins on the map to explore the queer Jewish history of these spaces, with detailed descriptions and photos.
Places on the map
The places included on this map, grouped by theme, are:
Entertainment
- The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where 'Homos and Homous' was performed
- The Troxy, where 'Buttmizvah' was performed
- The Former Saville Theatre, which Brian Epstein owned
- The Noël Coward Theatre, where 'Torch Song Trilogy' was performed
Pubs
- The Ship Inn, the oldest gay pub in Kent
- The Edward VI public house, home to the Capital Gay Quiz in the 1980s
Design and fashion
- Hush Heath Manor, where Otto Lucas lived
- 17 Clifford Street, home to Michael Fish’s popular menswear boutique
Educational institutes and synagogues
- The Wiener Holocaust Library
- The Leo Baeck College, which has incredible queer alumni
- The West London Synagogue, where Rabbi Lionel Blue's memorial service was held
- Willesden Cemetery, where Simeon Solomon is buried
The Jewish Gay Group
- Spode House, where the group held 'Gayfest' in 1983
- Baldwins, where the Jewish Gay Men's retreat was in 1977
- Kennington Park, where the group had a bagel stand during Pride 1986 and 1981
- Sloane Square, where the pride parade went through in 1988
- Victoria Embankment Gardens, where Clause 28 was protested
- Hyde Park, where the Chief Rabbi's Community Walk for Charity was held in 1991
We're calling for the community to add their stories to locations on the map to help document queer Jewish heritage to keep these incredible stories and memories alive.
Help tell your story
The National Heritage List for England has over 400,000 entries. Many places are well-known and even world-famous, but for others, there is much that remains unknown.
We want to tell the best stories we can about the listed places in which we live, work, visit, or own. Every snapshot and voice will be an important part of building that narrative.
The more pieces of the picture we have, the better we can work together to protect what makes these places special, record important facts, and even unlock their secrets.
Their stories are being written, and they won’t be complete until people share their side.
Also of interest
