Lost Pioneers: Wolverhampton's Orthodox Jewish Community
Andy Sloane
- Regions:
- England, Staffordshire, West Mids
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Amateur
- Fee:
- Paid: £60, no travel expenses for talks within 10 miles of Wolverhampton
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 2nd November 2025
- Tagged:
- Jewish History | Jewish | Local History | Religion
How did a handful of men from Eastern Europe — strangers to the Black Country — find themselves in a smoky, growing industrial town in the 1830s? And how, from just ten residents, did they build a community, a burial ground, and a synagogue in a place where few had even met a Jew before?
This is a story of quiet determination, of faith carried across borders, and of lives woven into the fabric of Wolverhampton’s past — then almost forgotten. From whispers of prayer in rented rooms to the rise — and fall — of a sacred building, it’s a journey that reveals as much about the town as it does about the people who came here.
Join me, as we rediscover the lost history of Jewish Wolverhampton — and the remarkable story that unfolded in its streets.
Views: 12 | Enquiries: 0About Andy Sloane
I’m the founder and chair of The Museum of Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire and have spent many years researching and sharing the fascinating history of our region. I was previously a member of The Wolverhampton Society, and my main areas of research include Jewish history in Wolverhampton, healthcare and mental healthcare in the Black Country, and local workhouses, although I am always researching new topics.
I have a strong passion for local history, genealogy and true crime, and I enjoy bringing the past to life through the stories of real people and places. My talks are designed to be both informative, visually interesting and engaging, making history accessible and relevant to a wide variety of audiences.
I’m based in Wolverhampton and happy to travel across the Black Country, South Staffordshire, and neighbouring Shropshire to give talks. I bring my own laptop—so all I need is a projector and screen. As I work full-time for the NHS, I usually prefer evening talks, though I can do daytime sessions with enough notice.
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