The UK’s “premier Orthodox Ashkenazi burial ground” is progressing in its ambitious renovation project to become a heritage attraction.
Four chief rabbis, film director Michael Winner and scientist Rosalind Franklin are among notable Jewish personalities buried in the United Synagogue’s Willesden Cemetery, which was awarded an initial £321,000 grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund in 2015.
It will submit a follow-up bid by the end of September to take the project total beyond £2 million. But the US will need to raise around £200,000 to unlock the additional funding.
Project development manager Hester Abrams said there will be major enhancements to the existing buildings and better signage at the 144-year-old cemetery, with volunteer-led tours. Other planned features include a dedicated visitor area, exhibition and educational space and a digital archive.
