This little booklet is the Annual Report of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews Hospital for Sick Poor, Lying-in Women, and Asylum for the Aged, founded in 1747, and known as the Beth Holim.
The hospital was first established in Leman Street, E1, then in 1790 was transferred to 253 Mile End Road. The modern building, now on the site, was erected in 1912, although the style is that of a 17th century building.
I’ve written before about two earlier annual reports of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Hospital, from 1907 and 1909. Also, a later report from 1936. However, 1912 was an important year because of the erection of the handsome new building and the fund-raising that was accomplished to do this.
The booklet includes a listing of the “inmates” and of the subscribers, with interesting detail about their welfare and care, with “Pureem and Simhhat Torah treats”, cigars provided by the Wardens and a holiday outing for the “old folks”.
In 1977 the Beth Cholim was removed to Forty Avenue, Wembley. The old building is now used by Queen Mary College.
Behind this building lies the Velho – the old cemetery of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews who fled from the persecution of the Spanish and Portuguese inquisition to find religious toleration and freedom.
Jewish Miscellanies 