Central Synagogue - Great Protland Street, London, UK - Synagogues on Waymarking.com

The synagogue's website tells us:

The Central Synagogue has been in Great Portland Street, London, in one form or another for more than 155 years. Today’s synagogue was rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1958, after the original building was destroyed in a bombing raid on 10 May 1941.

The history of the Central Synagogue is an integral part of the proud history of Anglo-Jewry. It is the last remaining Synagogue from the original five United Synagogues founded with the sanction of an Act of Parliament in 1870. It has played a noble part in the life and activities of the Jewish Community here in London. Its archives are full of outstanding figures who have contributed enormously to the welfare and prosperity of the Jewish and wider community.

The Jewish Virtual Library website further tells us:

From the beginning of the reign of Queen Victoria many Jews began to migrate to the West End district, Westminster and Hyde Park. In 1848 the authorities of the Great Synagogue, the long-standing centre of Synagogue life in London, felt that with the establishment of the Reform Synagogue a few years earlier some of their members would become attached, notwithstanding their own inclination, to the solitary place of worship within easy reach of their own homes. Alternatively, they might break away from their present allegiance to the Great Synagogue and establish their own congregation, with results that might prove fatal to the economy of the parent body. It was therefore decided to establish, under the auspices of the Great Synagogue itself, a branch Synagogue more conveniently situated which would satisfy the religious requirements of those who lived in the vicinity without modifying their relationship to the original Community....it was not until 29th March 1855 that the building was consecrated. It is from that day that the congregation really dates and services commenced.

In 1862 there arose the question of the renewal of the lease, and in view of the increasing Jewish population it was decided to consider the desirability of erecting a new building....On the 7th April 1870, corresponding to the 6th Nisan 5630, the new building was consecrated.

On May 10, 1941 the synagogue was destroyed by enemy action....

Due to the difficulty in obtaining a Building Licence for a permanent Synagogue of suitable character to replace the former building, it was decided to build a temporary Synagogue....The new building was consecrated on September 30, 1948.

In May 1955, with the abolition of licensing restrictions, it was decided to rebuild the Synagogue on its present site in a manner commensurate with its earlier history and dignity....On February 4, 1956, the final service was held in the existing, Synagogue, and rebuilding of the new Synagogue commenced the following day.

The consecration of the rebuilt Synagogue took place on the March 23, 1958.