Restoration begins at historic Jewish cemetery with £190,000 Grant

The cemetery, a Grade II-listed site recognised by Historic England in 2020, is the most significant burial ground of The Reform Movement and the resting place of many of its pioneers.

The funding, secured by Islington Council and the West London Synagogue, will go towards restoring and maintaining the site in Mildmay ward as well as developing it as a cultural and educational resource.

Planned Improvements include:

• Specialist restoration of memorials to preserve historic significance
• Enhanced site access with improved entrances
• Biodiversity surveys to understand and enhance the natural environment
• Community engagement opportunities including school programmes

Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Community Wealth Building, said: “Here in Islington, we’re proud to be a borough with such a rich history, and we’re committed to celebrating and embracing that history. Balls Pond Road Cemetery is the final resting place of influential Jewish thinkers, and this funding will help bring their stories to life.”

Cllr Jenny Kay, a ward councillor in Mildmay who was involved in the securing of the grant, said: “This grant marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the West London Synagogue.

“We aim to revitalise the cemetery, engage the local community and bring attention to on an often-overlooked part of British-Jewish history.

“This project is not just about preservation - it’s about restoring a vital community asset and ensuring the site becomes a resource that benefits all communities.”

Andrew Stone, President of the West London Synagogue, said: “This project will be the start of a longer-term plan to restore an historic and fascinating cemetery, which is an important part of our British-Jewish Heritage.

“We welcome the educational, community engagement and other benefits which will follow. We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to our partner Islington Council, for their efforts in getting us to this stage.” 

Notes to editors 

The West London Synagogue is a lively, active, inclusive and progressive Jewish community. It aims to welcome everyone, from everywhere, and provide a variety of Shabbat and festival services, family services, children’s services, alongside social action and social care activities.  

They own, and value highly for its historic interest, the Balls Pond Road Cemetery site, and look forward to working with Islington Council on delivering the specialist care and restoration the cemetery requires to make it of use to all communities.  

The West London Synagogue of British Jews was founded in 1840 as the first Reform Jewish Community in the UK. Balls Pond Road Cemetery was founded in 1843 and closed for burials over a century later in 1951.

This is the first stage of works at the site. More information about the site is available on their website.