Funerary buildings at Willesden Jewish Cemetery (United Synagogue Cemetery), London, 1872-73 listed at Grade II. This cemetery is known as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of London’s Jewish cemeteries and this set of funerary buildings is a rare survival as many similar complexes in England’s Jewish cemeteries have been lost. Copyright Chris Redgrave/Historic England

The United Synagogue welcomes Historic England’s announcement that the funerary buildings at Willesden Cemetery are to be Grade II Listed.

The buildings are the first of The US’ cemeteries to receive this recognition. They are also one of five buildings to gain this acknowledgement, marking 70 years of protecting England’s extraordinary historic buildings.

Listing identifies the buildings, sites and landscapes which are architecturally or historically special enough to receive protection, so they can be enjoyed by current and future generations.

Speaking about the announcement, US Director responsible for Burial, David Kaplan said: “I’m delighted that our beautiful Willesden Cemetery has received this recognition from Historic England. Willesden Cemetery contains many significant figures and a wealth of history which is now protected and as a result will ensure that we can continue to showcase the Jewish contribution to British society for generations to come.”