The Jews of Brighton, 1770-1900* DAVID SPECTOR
in was As far as I can ascertain, the Jewish Histori? The first recorded Jew Brighton no on Israel Samuel who was a cal Society has had previous paper the Cohen, 1766-1767, nor member of the Great and subject of the Jews of Brighton, is there any Synagogue, London, was later as Israel silversmith reference to Brighton in the Index of the known Samuel, of East also a Transactions of this Society compiled by the late and toy man, 22 Street, lodging There a local Albert Hyamson. This is unusual in view of the house keeper. is, however, legend in the links between the Society and Brighton. In of Jacob Harris?a Jewish pedlar?who this room are housed the collection of Hebraica year 1734 committed murder at the Royal near was at of Levy Salomons?father of Philip Salomons, Oak, Ditchling, Brighton, hung and his for a past president of the Brighton Hebrew Horsham, corpse suspended many were to the from a outside the Congregation?which presented years gibbet Royal Oak, Guildhall Library, London, in 1847 by Philip where there was a post for many years known can a Salomons. Claude Goldsmid Montefiore, one as Jacob's Post. It is said that if you get the and it around with of the founder members of the Jewish Histori? splinter from post carry was a will never toothache. Dr. Snow? cal Society and a past President, grand? you you get was has in his the son of Sir Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, who man, of Tel Aviv, possession of one Abraham of closely associated with Brighton and Hove prayer-book Benjamin, was to in inscribed 'his book and whose portrait recently presented Brighthelmstone Sussex, to This is believed to be a Barmitzvah this Society. I have also been stimulated 1770'. to for it give this address by the remark of Cecil Roth present Abraham, subsequently in his book The Rise ofProvincial Jewry that the records the birth in 1810 of Elizabeth Benja? measure of success of this work will be not the min, Abraham Benjamin in 1812, and the contra? death of Phoebe in 1821. Richard degree of agreement but the degree of Benjamin to diction that itmay stimulate. Cumberland's play 'The Jew', the first play to 1770 of seven in a more was Brighton prior consisted depict Jews sympathetic light, at Duke principal streets and less than 600 houses, performed the Street Theatre, Brighton, the number of inhabitants in that year being on 15 October 1794, directly after its initial to success at the Theatre Lane. approximately 2,500. Thanks Dr. Russell, Royal, Drury on? The of the were laid sea-bathing became popular from 1750 foundations community one a wards, and in the year 1783 occurred the first by Emanuel Hyam Cohen, native of near who came to visit of the Prince Regent, subsequently Niederwerren, Munich, in in that George IV. The town's popularity grew by England 1782, settled Brighton year, from its residents Hannah leaps and bounds and by 1821 the number of and married among was a inhabitants was over 25,000 and the houses Benjamin and begat ten children. He man of education and and was an had increased to just under 4,000. Between ability some 1830 and 1840 there was a temporary lull in associate of Moses Mendelssohn. He had whom I will refer to the expansion of the town, but the advent of outstanding children, a the railway in 1841 laid the foundation for its later. Emanuel Hyam Cohen kept school for rest is continued expansion during the of the boys in Artillery Place until 1816, which nineteenth century. It is also as well to remem? mentioned in local guide-books of this period. Hebrew and and Louis ber that during the Napoleonic Wars the only He taught German, of communication with France was through Dieppe Cohen, when laying the foundation-stone was so to Middle Street in referred to and Brighton and that this up 1848. Synagogue 1874, at He * on his early schooling this establishment. Paper delivered to the Society 6 March 1968. also served as Shochet, but never made a 42
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financial success and died in 1823 leaving very keepers, and it was not uncommon in this little to his children. The earliest synagogue period of popularity in Brighton for the local and school was reputed to be in Jew Street, tradesmen to carry on that additional occu? where the early pedlars gathered. I have pation. Circumcisions were carried out by examined guide-books from 1769 onwards and Myer Solomon, of theWestern Synagogue, and the first reference to a synagogue is in Craw? Rabbi Leib, of Portsmouth. Brighton was ford's Guide of 1792. The County Archives at popular with London Jewry and indeed a Lewes have the Land Tax records of Bright report in the Lewes Advertiser in 1801 blames the helmstone complete from 1770 to 1820 and large increase in the importation of 'Hams' into the first reference there to Jew Street is in the Brighton on the demand for this product by are year 1789, when three dwellings recorded. Jewish visitors. The Rev. Solomon Herschell Jew Street is described as being part of New was a frequent visitor to and friend of the Street (now Bond Street) and the Borough Congregation and Cecil Roth has made Surveyor has informed me that there is no reference to him.1 In 1805 the local papers a indication on the early maps of the location of recorded contribution of ?10 from the Jews' a com? the building used as synagogue, but this is Synagogue to the Patriotic Fund, which understood to have been at the southern end. pares with ?90 from the Chapel Royal, the The second synagogue was in Pounes Court, most popular local church. Coach traffic named after the builder, off West Street, increased between London and Brighton, as as a approximately opposite the site of the present many 60 coaches day running in the 1820s. Odeon Cinema. It is clearly indicated in In 1816 it was reported that some Jews started run guide-books and is specially marked in Mar 'The Eclipse' to from Brighton to London chant's Plan of Brighthelmstone of 1808. It is in six hours or pay penalty of carrying passen? my belief that this synagogue was quite likely gers free. The horses galloped all the way? a room in a house occupied by Jews. To sup? on one journey the coachman broke three port this theory, I note that the Land Tax whips and in one week fifteen horses died. assessments name Isaac Levy and Abraham Crowds used to turn out en route to see the ran Benjamin as occupying houses in Pounes coaches, which without accident for three were Court. In 1822, the house occupied by Abra? months until the drivers summoned and as ham Benjamin is referred to 'late Benjamin' fined for furious driving. Maria Basevi, mother with no mention of Isaac Levy, but in the of Benjamin Disraeli, lived in Hove before her following year there is no reference at all to marriage in 1802 to Isaac DTsraeli, and Jacob was 'late Benjamin'. Bearing in mind that this is Montefiore, of Australian fame, born in the year in which Devonshire Place was Brighton in 1801 and not at Bridgetown, as acquired, the absence of any further reference stated in the Jewish Encyclopedia. to Jewish occupation is significant. I have not In the surrounding countryside were the been able to trace any papers of the Congre? Brandon family, who resided at Findon? gation relating to the period of Jew Street and outside Worthing?and made various gifts to a Pounes Court, although Cecil Roth and Mr. the Congregation; the minutes record the gift J. H. Cohen, of Rottingdean, have referred to of silver bells in 1825. In 1828 the synagogue them. The minutes of the Congregation from was broken into and the silver bells and other 1824 onwards are, however, available and I valuables were stolen by one Samuel Povey, will deal with them later. who was sentenced in December 1828 at the seven The names of the following pre-1800 inhabi? Lewes Assizes to years' transportation tants are known from the Land Tax assess? for these offences. The following names appear ments : among the list of subscribers to a History of Abraham Benjamin, Isaac Levy, Emanuel Lewes and Brighthelmstone, by Paul Dunvan, Hyam Cohen, Moses Jacob Cohen, Solomon published in 1795: Mr. Abraham Morris, of Myers, Mrs. Samuels, and their families. Seaford, and Mr. Abraham Soper, of Lewes. are as 1 All of these described lodging-house See The Rise of Provincial Jewry, p. 225. 44David Spector
Baxter's guides for 1822 and 1824 record Apart from teaching languages, he contributed numerous Jewish names and I have listed them to the local press, acted as theatre critic, was an in appendix. Their trades range from prominent in the affairs of the Congregation a general dealers, fruiterers, watch and clock and was much-admired Reader in the was makers, parasol makers, to auctioneers and synagogue. In 1827 he sufficiently esteemed pawnbrokers. locally to be able to raise funds for a new paper, Local guide-books continued to give the the Brighton Guardian, and became its manager as site of the synagogue Pounes Place until and editor. However, his policy was too radical 1826, when the first reference is made to for the original subscribers, and as the result was an Devonshire Place. The President in 1824 of appeal to friends and his 'own people' he Solomon Nathan Berncastle?originally a assumed complete control in 1828. His name on watchmaker in Lewes?Secretary, Levi Eman? appears the Printing Press Register, kept son uel Cohen (elder of Emanuel Hyam under the 39th Act of George III for preventing Cohen), Elders, David Woolf (jeweller), Saul troublesome and seditious practices, on 19 Charles Aaron (auctioneer), Hyam Lewis June 1828, and that of his sister Rosetta on 26 (pawnbroker), Henry Solomon (employed by August 1835. During his 35 years as editor the Commissioners), Jacob Michael Silverston he was abused, ill-treated, excessively snubbed, (jeweller). The Congregation's minutes record turned out, and spited by the magistrates, discussions on improvements at Devonshire assaulted by actors and others, arraigned by Place during the years 1824 and 1825, and the King for libel, conspired against and burnt Levi Emanuel Cohen, Saul Charles Aaron, and in effigy. In 1827 he crossed swords with a local were one Henry Solomon appointed Trustees for magistrate and die-hard, Sir David Scott, the new building. The guide-books describe the when he refused to be summoned as a special as synagogue 'a small building set back from constable on the grounds that he was a Minis? was the road' and it reported to hold 50 people ter of Religion. Cecil Roth has referred to this a but apparently had ladies' gallery. In Novem? incident but incorrectly states it was Emanuel ber 1836, the Congregation appointed David Hyam Cohen, Levi's father, who had died in Mocatta its architect for the purpose of en? 1823. In 1827 there were riots between the a larging the synagogue and constructing landsmen and the fishermen, and as a result burial hall, it having purchased the ground of Sir David Scott swore in over 90 special the synagogue in that year. The work was constables to deal with the disturbances. Sir was completed in 1837 and eventually the property David concerned lest all the congregation a comprised residence, synagogue, two-storey would claim exemption as lay ministers. Later workshop and schoolrooms, the whole occupy? Sir David turned him out of court when he an area as a ing of nearly 4,000 square feet. I have attended reporter on the grounds that he not been able to discover the activities of the had refused to apologise to Sir David for per? workshop, but this is probably the only syna? sonal insults. Cohen had in earlier years gogue in the United Kingdom to have one. referred to the magistrates as 'crabbed, nervous, The building was disposed of in 1876, after passionate, fierymouthed, vain and bombastical the erection ofMiddle Street. It is still standing justices?the bare sight of them turns one's a and is at present occupied by firm of chemists. feelings bitter'. Levi Emanuel Cohen and his are The words 'Jews Synagogue 5598' still brother-in-law, Henry Solomon, later Chief were discernible at the top of the building. Constable, also regularly ejected from the Emanuel Hyam Cohen, the founder of the local theatre for hissing actors and in 1823 he sons Congregation, had four and six daughters. was publicly assaulted by an actor. A summons The eldest son, Levi Emanuel Cohen, was for assault, taken out by Cohen, was heard as a described at the age of 13 prodigy and before his old friend Sir David Scott and was competent to teach at his father's school. On dismissed. The celebrated trial for libel in v. the death of his father in 1823, he undertook 1833 of Rex Cohen is outstanding in the the responsibility of bringing up the family. history of journalism in this country. This was The Jews of Brighton, 1770-1900 45
the period of general unrest and rick fires, and he was in the service of the Commissioners of Levi Emanuel Cohen was convicted of libel the town for 23 years, 16 of them as Chief of for attributing the frequent occurrence of Police. The Town Clerk was kind enough to incendiary fires to the severity of the local allow me to examine the records of the Com? a magistrates, in report in the Brighton Guardian missioners and from this and other local infor? from a correspondent at Horsham. He was mation it would appear that he entered their was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, to pay service in 1821. In 1822 he appointed a fine of ?50, and to find sureties for three Inspector of Post Horse Duty at a salary of years. Chelmsford Gaol was chosen as the ?50. On 17 August 1825, he was appointed place of imprisonment by the magistrates, but Inspector of Hackney Coaches, Bathing con? in spite of this handicap he successfully Machines and Pleasure Boats, and was given ducted the Guardian from prison. He defended an additional ?25 a year. In December 1826, was himself 'with considerable ability and with he also appointed Inspector of Nuisances, very great propriety and decorum', but certain and in March 1827 Inspector of Gas Lights, as a magistrates referred to him 'pestilent for which he got an additional ?10 per annum. fellow'. Protests to the Government in the In 1838,when the officeof Chief Constable of were was House of Commons rejected. Sir David Brighton first instituted, he was appointed a Scott later became involved in Parliamentary to it, the police forces consisting of a Chief a inquiry into pension granted to him by Officer, two superintendents, one night con? George IV for allegedly saving his life. It was stable, and 24 watchmen. were not an said that the events exaggerated and During this period, Henry Solomon was was true. The pension withdrawn and this, active member of the Congregation, one of its together with the appointment of magistrates Trustees, and at the time of his murder in 1844 of more liberal opinion, led to Sir David a Vice-President. He had ten children. His leaving Brighton. salary when he died was approximately ?200 Cohen was the first responsible local reporter plus ?80 perks, but he lived right up to his as in Brighton and at the time of theReform Bill income, at one time the Congregation paid had reporters at Rye, Hastings, Chichester, the expenses of the funeral of two of his infant and the Isle of Wight. The circulation of his children. He had his local enemies and at times rose paper to over 60,000. In the first fifty allegations were made that he was in league years of the life of the Newspaper Society, the with the 'thimble and rig men' at the race? organisation of proprietors of the provincial course and other unsavoury characters. Solo? was one mon press, Levi Emanuel Cohen of only was attacked in his office in the evening two Presidents who filled that office for two of 13March 1844 by an unbalanced youth, who years in succession, and in 1844 he represented had been apprehended by one of the constables the Society in talks with the then Chancellor for stealing a carpet. Solomon was struck on a of the Exchequer. Levi Emanuel Cohen intro? the head by poker which the youth had picked duced the Jewish Chronicle to Brighton and up in the office and died the next day. The represented the Congregation at the confer? murder caused a sensation not only in Brighton ence in 1845 for the election of a Chief Rabbi. but throughout the country. Thousands of He lived the life of a recluse, never married, persons lined the route of the funeral, and the was as and died in 1860. He succeeded editor whole of the police force and town dignitaries by his brother Nathan, who was an expert were present. John Lawrence, the murderer, were printer, whose setting and type copied by was taken to Lewes, passing the funeral pro? numerous other papers. Billposting was then in cession on the way. At his trial at Lewes three were as were its infancy, but Nathan developed this form of jurors replaced by the Judge, they printing and Cohen's Posters achieved con? Jews, and Lawrence was sentenced to death siderable local reputation. and publicly hanged at Horsham on 6 April, a His brother-in-law, Henry Solomon, is less than month after the murder. A public a equally interesting. Originally watchmaker, meeting was called to raise money for the family 46David Spector was in Street. of Henry Solomon. The Queen sent ?50, the shop subsequently Ship Hyam a of his local Commissioners gave ?500, circus gave Lewis died in 1851, aged 82, and in spite one service to the town as an its entire receipts for night, the Congre? long outstanding gation ?52 10s. Commissioner and to the Jewish community I to trace notice But this does not end the story of the Cohen have been unable any obituary in either the local or the Chronicle. family. Abraham Cohen, another son, emi? press Jewish at His to his son and is grated to Australia, arriving Port Macquarie shop passed Benjamin as in 1835. He had ten children, the most famous described in 1854 'Lewis and Son?Jewellers and Watchmakers and Goldsmiths to the being Henry Emanuel, who became the Hon. Lewis's Leah Henry Emanuel Cohen, the first Jewish High Queen*. Benjamin daughter a Lewis Coleman of Court Judge in New South Wales and married Cohen, Birming? Cabinet Minister. Another son was Nathan, ham, in 1854, and the late Lord Cohen of is a direct descendant of this virtually the founder of Tamworth, New South Brighton family. took a interest in the Wales, and its Mayor. Nathan's daughter is Benjamin great Congre? son was still alive and celebrated her 100th birthday on gation and in turn his Lewis Lewis President of Middle Street for 35 27 August 1967. She is Mrs. Ida Cohen, years, being in funds for its M.B.E., and she is a member of the Australian largely instrumental raising erection. H. B. Lewis carried on this tradition Jewish Historical Society. Another daughter in Roth has stated of Abraham Cohen, Fanny, married Benjamin until his death 1928. Cecil of that Isaac Bass was one of the town's Benjamin, who became Lord Mayor Mel? Jewish but this is as he was bourne and was knighted. Many other famous Commissioners, incorrect, are a well-known local and a close friend figures in Australian Jewry descended from Quaker Lewis. our original founder. of Hyam The 1819 List has no but Hyam Lewis was another prominent Jewish Jury Jewish names, the 1836 list has the first three on the citizen of this period. He was born in Prague thirteen, in 1769 and became an endenized citizen in roll being Jews: Saul Charles Aaron, Judah November 1816. He was active in the com? Isaac Abraham, and Laurence Abrahams. Local were in the news munity but at times had his differences with Jewish residents occasionally a Levi Emanuel Cohen, who was his brother-in in the 1830s, particularly Mrs. Abrahams, who was an law, and other members of the Congregation. charged with causing affray by engag? one He was elected a Commissioner of the Town ing twenty Irishmen to evict of her lodgers. was before 1814 but did not serve until 1822. In A dispute between two lapidaries described 1827 he received 126 votes in the election, the as 'Diamond cut Diamond' in the local press. In 1843 at an on the of highest being 158 and the lowest 16, which is March inquest body was 14-15 a servant of some indication of his local standing. He Hannah Dale, aged years, a also at times a Director and Guardian of the the Jews' Synagogue in Devonshire Place, Poor and was one of the members of the Police warrant was issued for the arrest of the on of Committee set up in 1838 under the Municipal Minister and his mother suspicion having has referred the maid. Both were released at the Corporation Act. Israel Finestein poisoned a in his book A ShortHistory of Anglo-Jewryto resumed inquest and verdict of 'death by in administered under unknown cir? various early Jewish representatives local poisoning as cumstances' was but the mother was government, the earliest date being given returned, not the Mother and 1830, but it would now appear that Hyam censured for aiding girl. the town after. Lewis is the first known elected Jewish local Minister departed from shortly was To return to the affairs of the government representative. Hyam Lewis Congregation, in were made to raise to a silversmith and jeweller and opened the first 1824 plans ?300 pur? in was in chase the on which the was pawnbroker's shop Brighton?this ground synagogue Commis? built in Devonshire and a Committee Ship Street Lane?and the Town Place, was set to and sioner's minutes record its purchase in 1810 in of Three up revise, amend, the new laws connection with a road-widening scheme. His enlarge the existing laws, being The Jews of Brighton, 1770-1900 47 seen to to the adopted on 1 May 1825. I have Cecil wrote Moses Mocatta and objected Roth's copy of theRules (the copy originally loan on the grounds that the Daniel Eliason belonged to Hyam Lewis), and Brighton and legacy should have been used to abolish the a on Liverpool were the first communities to publish 'meat tax' of Id. pound all purchases of eleven their laws in English and Hebrew. In 1826 kosher meat, and that he, having seven Thomas Read Kemp, the builder of Kemp dependants (including children), found Town and local Member of Parliament, it a hardship, as he required between 25 and use as a meat He to presented land for burial ground, 30 pounds of per week. threatened sue trans? previous burials having been in London. To Isaac Lyon Goldsmid for illegally raise funds for enclosing the ground and erect? ferring the ?600 stock. The Elders satisfied a and ing an Ohel, tax of 2s. per week per member Moses Mocatta and received the ?300 to the tax to for one year was imposed on the Congregation. poor Mr. Aaron continued pay Levi Emanuel Cohen and Mr. Berncastle lent cries of 'Is this fair?' Ts this Hebrew brother? was ?50 interest free and Moses Mocatta ?25? hood?' The meat tax not abolished until but only for four months. Problems arose over 1892. the the guarding of the cemetery during the period Then there is the curious affair of Shochet, one was of 'body-snatching' and members failing to I. M. Isaacs, who in 1836 visited by carry out their roster had?in addition to the one of the elders of the congregation after lunch normal tax on meat of Id. per pound?an and discovered to be drinking coffee with to to re extra tax of 2d. per pound imposed and Is. milk. He was dispatched London be on as a Rev. Her per poultry. Any person found buying meat examined Shochet by the S. behalf of the offenders was liable to a fine of ?5. schell, who conveniently failed him, the Shochet Records show that a bathing machine was used having taken five months after his arrival in In as a sort of 'guard-room' for those maintaining London to report to Dr. Herschell. July a one watch. The Congregation in 1827 and 1828 1843 the jewellery shop of congregant, was on a again found themselves in financial difficulties Mr. Moseley, broken open and robbed that and, through the good offices of the Rev. Dr. Friday night. The local paper reported Herschell, obtained a loan of ?100 from Mr. Moseley being of the Hebrew persuasion N. M. Rothschild, but the funds of the Congre? did not return to the shop until the Saturday in gation had to be pledged as security. evening, when he found that the door, The minutes record the story of the Daniel which there were two locks, had been opened a Eliason legacy. Daniel Eliason, related to the by means of skeleton key, part of which Goldsmids and former partner in the bullion remained in the lock. merchants Mocatta and Goldsmid, left in his The reports and accounts of the Brighton will the intereston ?600 3% Stock to be paid Hebrew Philanthropic Society, established in the to the Congregation after the death of his 1846, have recently been discovered in 'relict'. In 1835, the Congregation made files of the Brighton Reference Library. In its representations to Isaac Lyon Goldsmid, first year 183 applicants received relief, executor of Daniel Eliason, to the effect that, amounting to ?22 18s., the next year 382 a this as the income they received from the interest received total of ?42 0s. 2d., but by a was less than the rent they had to pay for time the Society had surplus of ?50. There Devonshire Place, could they please have the were 43 subscribers, the list being headed by ?600 3% Stock so that they could dispose of Sir Isaac Lyon Goldsmid with 10 gns. and the it and buy the land. The executor agreed and Marquis of Bristol 2 gns. By 1850 relief had in the the proceeds of the stock were used to buy the been given to 1,500 persons and 1853 was seven land and construct a house at the burial ground. approximate rate of relief persons per was to be However, in 1837 the Congregation were again week. The rules laid down that there an Av. in financial difficulties and negotiated a loan anniversary dinner in the month of now of ?300 from Moses Mocatta. Saul Charles This Society is still in existence but is known a as Aaron, former President of the Congregation, the Brighton and Hove Board of Guardians. 48David Spector
Owing to the popularity of Brighton as a childs maintained their connection with the was holiday resort it found that the synagogue Congregation until the days of the late James was too accom? in Devonshire Place small to de Rothschild. Anna Louise Cohen and Lucy a modate visitors, and in April 1860 committee Cohen, daughters of Isaac Cohen and grand? was formed to make recommendations. The daughters of Levi Barent Cohen, who both Franco-Prussian War also led to a temporary lived at Adelaide Crescent, Hove, were gener? ous increase in the local Jewish population through supporters and regular worshippers at the many Jewish refugees arriving from the Conti? synagogue. Both Samuel Montagu and the were on con? nent. Many donations promised Rothschilds co-operated in raising funds for a dition that the new site would be in central Brighton, a rare case of agreement between position in Brighton. Eventually 66 Middle these protagonists. was a Street purchased and the freehold secured In November 1879 branch of the Anglo a sum. from the Lord of the Manor for nominal Jewish Association was formed in Brighton at The architect was Mr. Thomas Lianson, who Middle Street. Among those present at the a had large practice in Brighton and was opening were Baron Henry de Worms, Sir employed by Sir Francis Goldsmid in hisWick Benjamin Phillips, Baron George de Worms, estate, Jewish architects declining to submit Alfred Hoffnung, Israel Davis, Elim D'Avig was on designs. The foundation-stone laid dor, David Mocatta, and Alfred Henriques. 19 November 1874 by Louis Cohen in the The meeting was controversial and there was a a presence of large number of Jewish visitors considerable correspondence in the Jewish from London, the London, Brighton and Chronicle. In 1880 the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Nathan a South Coast Railway having arranged special Adler, took up residence in Hove at 36 First train. The consecration took place on 23 Sep? Avenue, where he died in 1890. Two of his was tember 1875 and extensively reported in daughters were married at Middle Street. In the local press. The music was composed by 1836 the Congregation had declined an invi? the famous Mombach, who conducted the tation to join the Board of Deputies, as it was choir, and a harmonium was specially used in too small, but in 1879 it was decided to send a a sum the synagogue. Although reasonable representative and Samuel Montagu, later was was was raised it not until 1895 that the mort? Lord Swaythling, its first elected Deputy. on gage the synagogue was paid off, Samuel Fierce controversy raged over resolutions to Montagu assisting the Congregation to do so. abolish repetition ofMusaph Ameeda on Sabbath In the latter part of the century, the syna? and Festivals but no change took place. In a gogue benefited considerably from the generos? 1889 Brighton Jewish Mutual Improvement ity of the Sassoon family, who had settled in Society was formed. Brighton and Hove. Many improvements were The Goldsmid family maintained close links carried out, stained-glass windows installed, with the Congregation, Sir Isaac Lyon Gold? and the synagogue was the first in the country smid advising the congregation on many to have electric light. Baroness Rothschild and occasions and assisting it financially. His Hannah Rothschild gave the congregation a example was followed by Sir Francis and Sir magnificent pair of candelabra in memory of Julian and Elim D'Avigdor, and Miss Caroline Baron Rothschild. Sir Moses Montefiore pre? Goldsmid's name appears frequently in the list a sented the Congregation with Sefer Torah of offerings in the latter part of the nineteenth a which had been executed by renowned century. Sir Isaac was prominent in local scribe, one Rabbi Sebi Hirsch of Wilna, the affairs and was a Director of the London, last three words being written in by Sir Moses; Brighton and South Coast Railway. In 1830 use. it is still in The synagogue is also unique in he purchased the remainder of the Wick estate having two stained-glass windows dedicated from Thomas Read Kemp for ?55,225 and an to the memory of the Jewish wife of English subsequently developed Adelaide Crescent but Prime Minister?that is, Lady Rosebery, did not complete this until 1850. Development formerly Hannah Rothschild. The Roths then took place in the area known as Palmeira The Jews of Brighton, 1770-1900 49
Square. Sir Isaac was appointed a member of the Congregation, left ?500 to the synagogue. the Brunswick Square Commissioners for life Sir Edward Sassoon took an active part in and when the enlarged Commission met took local politics and was Chairman of the Queen's the chair at its first meeting. Sir Francis com? Park Ward of Brighton. Baron Henry de pleted the development of the Wick estate and Worms represented Adelaide Ward in the Hove after his death in 1878 his nephew Sir Julian Urban District Council and was for 21 years succeeded to the title and lived and died at Chairman of the East Hove Conservative as a No. 4 Palmeira Square. Both Sir Francis and Association as well being local magistrate. as a Sir Julian unsuccessfully contested the Borough Alfred Henriques also served magistrate in of Brighton as Parliamentary candidates. Hove. Philip Salomons, the brother of Sir David, Jacob Montefiore, who was born in Brighton and father of the renowned inventor Sir David in 1801, was, together with his brother Joseph a Lionel Salomons, was admitted a member of Barrow Montefiore, pioneer in the develop? was the Congregation in 1849 and elected ment of Australia, and the town Montefiore was one President in 1855. He was at times in dispute there is named after them. Jacob of over with the Congregation the use of his private the first Royal Commissioners appointed for synagogue at 26 Brunswick Terrace, but this the Government of South Australia and when was resolved after some acrimonious corres? he returned to Brighton took an active interest pondence. Israel Davis frequently attended this in the affairs of Middle Street. His daughter synagogue and has described it in his writings. Emma married Philip Salomons, and this is The building is still standing and can be another interesting link between the develop? recognised by the 'pepperpot* on its top. ment of Australia, particularly New South Philip's granddaughter, Miss Vera Salomons, Wales, and Brighton Jewry. Emanuel Aguilar an as is still alive and living in Jerusalem and two is recorded in 1839 Directory living at years ago corresponded with the Congregation 23 Hampton Place, Brighton, and his niece, for information regarding this building. Sir Grace Aguilar, the famous Jewish woman David Lionel Salomons was actually born at writer and novelist, was a frequent visitor and No. 18 Brunswick Terrace and participated in wrote part of The Spirit ofJudaism while at the opening of Middle Street by carrying one Brighton in 1837. Grace Aguilar died in 1847 as of the Sifrei Torah and presiding at the dinner but, incredible it may sound, I recently at the Royal Pavilion in the evening. Hyamson visited a niece of Grace still alive and sound in has dealt extensively with this family in his Hove, the daughter of the youngest member of book David Salomons, and our Society has the family. Lieutenant-General Sir George a a published recently book entitled David Charles D'Aguilar, K.C.B., born Jew, retired Salomons House. The scrolls, Ark, and appur? to 30 Brunswick Square, Hove, and is buried in tenances of the private synagogue are now in the old Hove Parish Church in Church Road, the possession of Rabbi Sassoon, of Letchworth. the date of his death being 21 May 1855. The a as Philip Salomons was appointed Sheriff of Old Parish Church is also of interest being Sussex in 1852 and his wife Emma filled the the church of the Basevis and Lindos after numerous place of Lady Mayoress of the City of London their conversion, with plaques in? when her sister-in-law fell ill. side to their memory. Cecil Roth has dealt with the Sassoons in his Moses Mocatta, brother-in-law of Sir Moses no book The Sassoon Dynasty, but has made Montefiore, who had assisted the Congregation mention of their close connection with Middle on numerous occasions, died at his residence on Street and the many benefactions the synagogue at 122 King's Road, Brighton, 17 September received. Visitors to this beautiful synagogue 1857, and his son Benjamin also died at will recall its Eastern splendour. Reuben Brighton on 24 December 1865. Moses Ricardo, was was a Sassoon the most generous of the family brother of the economist David Ricardo, a over and only few years ago his daughter, Lady resident of the town for 50 years and lived no Boyle, who had retained her membership of in Montpelier Road. He had association 50David Spector with the community but interested himself their trays, etc., in his house at the back of with local scientific societies and Societies for the synagogue. Another well-known and est? numerous Educating Working Men. There are eemed member of the Congregation left his roads in Hove with names of particular jeweller's shop in North Street to his sons on Jewish interest: Goldsmid Road, Montefiore condition that it was closed on Sabbaths and sons Road, D'Avigdor Road, Julian Road (after Sir Festivals?the promptly bought the shop Julian Goldsmid), Osmond Road (after Sir next door, knocked down part of the dividing Osmond Elim D'Avigdor Goldsmid), Somerhill wall, and installed a connecting door, so as on Road, Somerhill Avenue and Court (after the to open Sabbaths and Festivals. Somerhill Estates of the D'Avigdor Gold The record of those making offerings in the smids), Palmeira Square and Avenue (after nineteenth century includes L. H. Etting? the Portuguese title of Sir Isaac), and in its hausen, the grandfather of our present Honor? heyday in the 1890s the London, Brighton and ary Secretary, and many interesting characters South Coast Railway had engines named such as Gesundheit and Son, Schampagne, Goldsmid, Rothschild, and Jonas Levy. Koppel Tom, Rygor's brother from Russia, an Brighton has always been popular with Indian Gentleman, Rachman Toeg from a London Jewry, popularity which has at Shanghai, and Zaquista from Portugal. The times aroused considerable comment. The minutes record responses to appeals for help relationships of the resident Jewish population during the nineteenth century ranging from with the other citizens of this area were gener? the Blood Libel at Damascus in 1840 to the was a ally good, but at times it necessary to reply Russian pogroms, reminder of the constant vigorously to attacks. One such attack occurred sufferings of Jewry. The Congregation still in March 1838 and was made by the editor of found time to assist many new provincial and the Brighton Patriot. A reply simply signed 'A London congregations, such as Sheerness, Jew' appeared in the Brighton Herald, which Nottingham, Canterbury, Leicester, Great pointed out that in a town of 40,000 there were Yarmouth, Norwich, Swansea, North Shields, or no Jewish beggars, drunkards, suicides, Edinburgh, Manchester Sephardi Synagogue, prostitutes. Similar attacks in the 1850s were Southwark, and Hammersmith. a also dealt with. There has always been history This small community, which had only as of religious dissent in Brighton and in 1866, grown to just under 100 resident Jewish were an against 25 established churches, there 37 families in 1900, has played important part dissenting places of worship, and this must have in Anglo-Jewish history, which has been assisted to establish the remarkable degree of previously neglected. Other famous names toleration shown in this town to its early recorded in its archives, as well as those men? Jewish inhabitants. The beach pedlars and tioned above, are well known to members of hawkers in the latter part of the nineteenth this distinguished society: Isaac Foligno, mem? century were mainly Jews, and elderly the Gubbays, the Guedallas, Dr. Louis Loewe bers can recollect that one of the Ministers are among them, besides so many more up to paid the hawkers not to peddle their wares on our own day with a worthy record of civic and the Sabbath, on condition that they deposited other achievement.
APPENDIX
Land Tax Assessments Records?County Archives, Lewes names: Pre-1800 Brighthelmstone 1780?Isaac Levi, East Cliffe Lane. Abraham Benjamin, do. Solomon Myers, Middle Street. 1791?Israel Samuel, North Street. Isaac Levi, Knabb. A. Benjamin, Russell Street. The Jews of Brighton, 1770-1900 51
1795?Isaac Levi, West Street, in house owned by Stephen Poune. 1798?Mrs. Samuels, North Street.
1800 onwards:
1808?Mrs. Moses, Middle Street. I. Cohen, Middle Street. Isaac Levi, West Street, Pounes Court. Abraham Benjamin, do. 1814?I. Cohen, for Montefiore, East Cliffe Lane.
The BrighthelmstoneDirectory 1799, by Edward Cobby, 2nd edition:
Israel Samuel, silversmith and toyman, 22 East Street. Isaac Levy, West Cliffe. Emanuel Hyam Cohen, 37 Ship Street. Abraham Benjamin, 1Russell Street. Moses Jacob Cohen, 2 Little Castle Square. (All above lodging-house keepers)
Baxter's Stranger in Brighton, 1822 and 1824 editions:
A. Abrahams, general dealer, of 8 St. John Street. G. Behrens, musician, of 86 North Street. was Mr. Cohen, professor of languages, 25 Devonshire Place. (This Levi Emanuel Cohen) Joel Joseph, fruiterer, of 81 St. James Street. Philip Levi, Bloomsbury Place. Mr. Moses, watchmaker, and Mrs. Moses, boarding-house keeper, both of 32 St. James Street. Henry Solomon, Inspector of Post Horse Duty, of 9 Charles Street. Jacob Michael Silverston, jeweller and watchmaker, of New Road. David Woolf, watch and clockmaker, of 2 King's Road. Hyam Lewis, pawnbroker, of 31 Ship Street. Isaac Aaron, umbrella and parasol maker and ladies' feather manufacturer, of 74 Church Street. Saul Charles Aaron, auctioneer, of 15 Princes Street. as Moses Mocatta, of 77 King's Road, and Moses Ricardo, of 61 King's Road, are described not in trade.
In 1839 the following additional names appear:
Emanuel Aguilar (uncle of Grace Aguilar). Benjamin Davis. Nathan Hyam. Mrs. Da Costa. Samuel Simmons. Lewis Lyon. Abrham de Paris. Woolfe Simmons. B. Berliner. Moses Solomon Defflis. Solomon Cohen. Rev. Abrahams.
Isaac Lyon Goldsmid. Jacob Bing. M. Moseley. Benjamin Mocatta. Alfred Alexander. Moses Abraham. Baum. Joseph Pecchio. Samuel and Joseph Joel. J. Nathaniel Davis. William Napthali. Benjamin Asher. 52David Spector Parish of Brighthelmstone,Jury List for 1836: Residence Name Occupation Qualification Princes Street AARON, Saul Charles Auctioneer Poor Rate Temple Street ABRAHAM, Judah Isaac Teacher do. St. James Street ABRAHAMS, Laurence Pawnbroker do. Clarence Place COHEN, Levy Emanuel Printer do. Meeting House Lane COHEN, Solomon Confectioner do. Black Lion Street DAVIS, Benjamin Brewer do. St. James Street HYAMS, Nathan Jeweller do. Ship Street LEWIS, Benjamin Pawnbroker do. Regency Square PAREZ, Joseph Artist do. London Road PHILLIPSON, John Bradshaw Gentleman do. Montpelier Road RICARDO, Moses Esquire do. New Road SILVERSTON, Jacob Watchmaker do. Meeting House Lane WOLFE, Aaron Broker do.
to me Acknowledgment is given to the valuable help and assistance given in the research necessary for this lecture by the staffs of the Reference Libraries of Brighton and Hove, especially me for making available to old directories, local newspapers, and various files of unclassified cuttings.