MP Wera Hobhouse has visited the Bath Jewish Burial Ground in Combe Down, praising volunteers working to restore and share the history of the city’s nineteenth-century Jewish community.

Established in 1812, the burial ground is the only surviving physical site connected to Bath’s Jewish community of that period. It was developed during the Georgian era, as the number of visitors to Bath and the local communities serving them grew.

For many years, the site was overgrown and largely hidden from view. A restoration programme lasting 20 years is now nearing completion, supported by grants, donations and volunteer work.

During her visit on 26 August, Hobhouse met trustees and volunteers from the Friends of the Bath Jewish Burial Ground. She was shown around the site by Christina Hilsenrath, chair of trustees, and heard about the people buried there.

Around 90 people are believed to be buried at the small site. Research carried out over many years has uncovered the stories of many of those interred there, including watchmakers, haberdashers, dressmakers, merchants and a dentist whose home on Edgar Buildings was described as a meeting place for distinguished visitors and musical talent.

The project has restored 51 gravestones. Visitors can access information about the people buried there through an app or a printed brochure, while a visitor centre uses text, photographs and archival material to tell the history of the burial ground, Bath’s synagogues and the Jewish people who lived, worshipped and worked in the city between 1700 and 1945.

Hilsenrath said the Friends was a non-religious organisation committed to maintaining the burial ground and researching and sharing the history of Bath’s Jewish community.

“By recognising Jewish history as part of Bath’s shared story, we hope this space will foster understanding and connection,” she said. “We hope the Burial Ground will be absorbed into the heritage of which the city is justly proud.”

The group has been shortlisted for Findmypast’s Everyday History Heroes 2026, a national award launched by historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE. The award recognises people and organisations working to keep local history alive.

Hilsenrath said the Friends had shared the site’s history with thousands of local, national and international visitors through publications, exhibitions, guided tours and open days. She encouraged residents to vote for the group in the awards.

Hobhouse described the burial ground as a “hidden gem” and thanked the trustees and volunteers whose work had made the restoration possible.

“Their important work protecting and celebrating Bath’s diverse heritage ensures that our Jewish community’s history will continue to be revealed, shared and preserved,” she said.

“It is a powerful reminder that our city’s identity is made up of many different stories, communities and traditions.”

She urged residents to attend an open day and vote for the Friends in the Everyday History Heroes awards. The next open day will take place on Sunday 13 September as part of the Heritage Open Days season.