Community
Grimsby’s Jewish gems to be uncovered in new project
The Jewish Foundation for Jewish Heritage has been asked to support this National Lottery Heritage Fund initiative
January 5, 2026 14:55
The Jewish Foundation for Jewish Heritage has been asked to support this National Lottery Heritage Fund initiative
January 5, 2026 14:55Readers with roots in Grimsby are being asked to send information or recollections to the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, which has been asked to assist with a project focusing on Grimsby’s Jewish history.
Heritage Lincolnshire has been awarded a Hidden Histories grant by National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and create an exhibition on Jewish life in Grimsby in order to share this with the local community. The project is being administered by Create North East Lincolnshire, which is collaborating with local partners.
Chair of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage Dame Helen Hyde told the JC: “We are delighted to support Heritage Lincolnshire in undertaking this unique project to document Jewish life in Grimsby. Education is at the core of the foundation’s work, not just saving Jewish heritage but using this heritage to explain the Jewish experience. We welcome this initiative to get the story of the Jewish presence in Grimsby known more widely.”
According to the JCR-UK, a website which focuses on Jewish genealogy and history, there is evidence of a Jewish presence in Grimsby as far back as Medieval times. However, the community only began attracting larger numbers in the 1860s, as people came to the area from Easter Europe to escape pogroms and benefit from port facilities and railway connections. Many travelled onto America, but some stayed in Grimsby.
The Jewish population is recorded as being 87 in 1871, increasing to around 450 in the early 20th century and then gradually declining to 120 in 1982 and shrinking further thereafter.
The Sir Moses Montefiore Synagogue, known as Grimsby Hebrew Congregation, was built in 1885. The building with its adjacent mikveh, is still intact.
The exhibition will largely focus on the stories and experiences of Jewish individuals and families who came to Grimsby, and as research for the project progresses, more specific themes will be identified, said the Foundation for Jewish Heritage.
Alongside the exhibition, a local artist will be commissioned to create artwork based on responses to what the research uncovers.
The role of the foundation would be to ensure that the exhibition, and any materials produced to support visitors, such as school groups, is factually accurate and represents the Jewish faith correctly, they said.
Tracy Stringfellow, CEO of Heritage Lincolnshire said: “The history of the synagogue in Grimsby is an important and little-known story locally. This heritage deserves to be understood, shared, and valued as part of Lincolnshire’s wider narrative. Heritage Lincolnshire are very pleased to support this research and help play a part in bringing that story to light. We are pleased to have the support of the Foundation of Jewish Heritage to help us tell this important story.”
The Foundation for Jewish Heritage works in the UK and internationally on the preservation of Jewish heritage in danger. The Grimsby project is due for completion at the end of August.
The largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained into the future.
As set out in its strategic plan, Heritage 2033, over the next ten years, it intends to invest £3.6billion in heritage preservation, raised by National Lottery players.
If you would like to contact the Jewish Heritage Foundation about Jewish life in Grimsby, please email: rachelheller@foundationforjewishheritage.com
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