Rabbi Nathan Godleman was part of the unveiling of the restored Memorial Fountain on the former Norwood grounds in south London.

The site, originally known as The Jews’ Hospital and Orphan Asylum, moved to the location from the East End around 1866, and was later renamed as the Norwood Orphanage for Jewish Children. It is estimated that around 8,000 children were educated and lived there from the mid-19th century to the early 1960s, when it closed.

A close-up of the Memorial Fountain

Rabbi Nathan joined a group of around 60 members of the Norwood Old Scholars’ Association, dignitaries from the London Borough of Lambeth, and the Norwood staff team and trustees for the ceremony.

He said: “The name Norwood is a familiar one to many people: the charity, formerly Norwood Ravenswood, which does so much to enhance the lives of neurodiverse children, adults and their families.

“I was privileged to be introduced to its work as a student at Leo Baeck College, subsequently leading services for a short time at Ravenswood Village in Berkshire.

“To be where the home had stood, to see the fountain unveiled, with its poignant image, and to do so in the company of members of the Old Scholars’ Association, whose lives were fundamentally shaped by the home, was very special.”

Speaking of the rich Jewish history of the area, he added: “When one thinks of Jews in south London’s past, there’s the Brixton Synagogue – which Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet attended as a boy – founded in 1905, and the South London Liberal Synagogue, whose origins date back to a gathering in the living room of Rabbi Danny Rich’s great-uncle and aunt in 1926.

“How strangely reassuring, then, to think of an institution set up only a year after the cessation of the American Civil War!”

Guests at the unveiling of the Memorial Fountain on the former Norwood site

After the event, memories and experiences were recounted at the tea by Jewish men and women of all backgrounds, religious and otherwise, who have retained a bond to Norwood throughout their lives.

Norwood Chief Executive Naomi Dickson said: “The model of support for children and their families facing challenging times may have changed considerably over the last 150 years, but Norwood’s commitment to supporting our community’s families remains the same.

“We are determined to help ensure children today get the best possible start in life, as they did at the orphanage, and go on to lead rich, meaningful and fulfilling lives at the heart of their communities.”

The Memorial Fountain was originally bequeathed in 1906. It was renovated by Stonewest with plaques by Gary Green Memorials, and also commemorates those who gave their lives during the two World Wars.