Celebrating Heritage and Community Engagement

On Sunday 6 April 2025, the House of Life at Willesden Jewish Cemetery proudly hosted the launch of the United Synagogue's latest publication, Not Just a Tombstone: Stories from the House of Life by Professor David Latchman CBE. The sell out event attracted a wide audience, including community leaders, historians and members of the public, all gathered to explore the rich and diverse stories from the House of Life.

The Chief Rabbi emphasised the significance of preserving and sharing the stories of individuals who have profoundly influenced both the Jewish community and broader society. Following this, Professor Latchman provided an overview of his work which highlights the lives of 150 notable figures interred at Willesden, such as Rosalind Franklin, Jack Cohen, four Chief Rabbis and members of the Rothschild family. His talk focused on his extensive and unique collection of artefacts and Judaica which are beautifully photographed for the book.

Visitors were then invited to participate in a guided walk through the cemetery which offered a tangible connection to the stories. The walk not only showcased the historical and architectural significance of the memorials but also led to a deeper appreciation of this cemetery of significant heritage.

Head of Heritage, Miriam Marson said: "The launch of Not Just a Tombstone: Stories from the House of Life shows our commitment to engaging the community with the rich heritage preserved at Willesden Jewish Cemetery. This event not only highlighted the remarkable stories of those interred here, but also the cemetery's role as a vibrant space for learning, reflection, community and connection. We are dedicated to creating an environment where our history is not only remembered but actively explored and appreciated by all."

The book is available from our online bookshop