Kenton members were delighted to welcome Ingrid Sellman on Sunday, 9 November for her talk on her work as a guide at Willesden Jewish Cemetery. She is a retired lipreading teacher and deaf awareness trainer. She has given many talks and presentations regarding aspects of the Cemetery. It is a designated heritage site of special historical interest. Many famous people are buried there, eminent in the field of industry, commerce, science and the arts. In addition, she was able to speak about the history and highlighted some of the individuals including servicemen that are buried there. Originally there was a Park and Garden there, comprising a twenty acre site in 1873 together with an avenue of trees. Some twenty-five gardeners were employed and now only four. Funeral buildings were then constructed together with a Prayer Hall which was designed by Nathan Solomon Joseph around 1929. The United Synagogue in 2015 was awarded a National Lottery Heritage grant which included the building of the Visitor Centre, House of Life being completed in 2020. In 2017 it was listed as a Grade Two listed building. Many of the well-known dynasties of Jewish people are buried there, The Rothschilds, Cohens, Montefiores, Samuels and Franklins. Moses Rothschild was the first person to be buried there, and the authorities had to quickly consecrate the land before he could be buried. Ingrid spoke of the families and what they had achieved in their lifetime. Her talk drew a number of questions especially concerning the fact that it has such a different feel to it when visiting as opposed to other grounds. it was such an inspiring and interesting talk that members are planning to visit in the Spring.
19 November 2025