Brick Lane Jamme Masjid
A 280-year architectural chronicle of immigrant faith, where Huguenots, Jews, and Bangladeshis have each found spiritual sanctuary.
A remarkable mosque at the heart of London's East End, Brick Lane Jamme Masjid stands as a living chronicle of immigrant communities spanning nearly three centuries. Originally built in 1743 as a French Huguenot chapel, the building has served successive waves of religious communities—Protestant, Jewish, and now Muslim—making it an architectural embodiment of London's multicultural heritage. Today, it serves the Bangladeshi Muslim community and remains a vital spiritual and cultural hub in Spitalfields.
A brief summary to Brick Lane Mosque
- 59 Brick Ln, London, E1 6QL, GB
- +442072476052
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during off-peak prayer times to explore the interior and appreciate the architectural details. The building is actively used for five daily prayers, so check prayer times before visiting to avoid disrupting worship.
- Observe the Latin inscription Umbra Sumus on the sundial above the separate entrances for men and women—a poignant reminder of the building's Huguenot origins and the transient nature of communities.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby Brick Lane's vibrant street art, independent shops, and curry houses to experience the contemporary multicultural character of Spitalfields.
- Visit Altab Ali Park adjacent to the East London Mosque on Whitechapel Road to learn about the broader history of immigrant communities and racial tensions in the East End.
- The mosque offers community programmes and educational classes; inquire about guided tours or heritage walks that contextualise the building within Spitalfields' immigrant history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Aldgate East station on the District and Hammersmith & City lines is approximately 300 metres away, requiring a 4-5 minute walk. Exit towards Brick Lane and head north. Alternatively, Liverpool Street station (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) is about 600 metres away with a 7-8 minute walk. Service runs frequently throughout the day, with typical fares within London zones costing £1.75–£2.80 depending on your starting point.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Brick Lane, including routes 15, 25, 40, 47, 78, 91, and 205. Buses stop directly on or very near Brick Lane. Journey times vary by route and origin, typically ranging from 15–45 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. A single bus fare costs £1.75 (contactless payment) or £2.80 (cash). Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available throughout London. Journey times from central London locations typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Fares vary significantly based on origin and time of day; expect £8–£20 from nearby areas like Liverpool Street or Tower Bridge, with surge pricing during peak hours (8–9 AM, 5–7 PM weekdays).
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Walking
From Tower Bridge (approximately 800 metres), a 10-12 minute walk heads northwest through St Katharine Docks and along the Thames Path before turning inland toward Brick Lane. From Liverpool Street station (approximately 600 metres), a 7-8 minute walk heads east through the City toward Spitalfields. Both routes are relatively flat with good pavements and clear signage. The neighbourhood is busy and well-lit, making walking safe during daylight and evening hours.
Brick Lane Mosque location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Brick Lane Mosque
Three Centuries of Faith and Migration
The building that houses Brick Lane Jamme Masjid was constructed in 1743 as La Neuve Eglise, a French Protestant chapel built by Huguenot refugees who had fled religious persecution in France following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. These skilled silk weavers and textile workers settled in Spitalfields, establishing themselves in the East End's proximity to the London docklands. The building's south-facing façade on Fournier Street features a distinctive triangular pediment topped with a sundial bearing the Latin inscription Umbra Sumus—"We are but shadows"—a prophetic phrase carved by people whose communities would eventually move on, leaving only traces of their presence in the city's fabric.From Chapel to Methodist House of Worship
Following the decline of the Huguenot community, the building underwent its first religious transformation. In 1819, it became a Wesleyan Methodist chapel, serving the evolving spiritual needs of the East End's population. This period marked a transitional phase in the building's history, as it adapted to serve new congregations while maintaining its role as a place of worship in an increasingly diverse neighbourhood. The building's architectural integrity remained intact throughout these changes, preserving the original structure even as its purpose shifted.The Great Synagogue Era
By the late 19th century, a new wave of immigrants transformed the East End. Fleeing violent pogroms and persecution in the Russian Empire and Eastern Europe, approximately 140,000 Jewish refugees arrived in Britain, with many settling in Spitalfields. In 1897, the building was acquired by a group of orthodox Lithuanian Jews known as the Machzike Hadath, meaning "Strengtheners of the Faith," who found established English Judaism insufficiently rigorous for their observance. The building became the Spitalfields Great Synagogue, serving as the spiritual centre for the local Jewish community. The synagogue's significance was evident in the funeral of Rabbi Abraham Werner, the first rabbi of the Machzike Hadath, whose procession in 1912 reportedly drew some 20,000 mourners through the streets of East London. However, from the 1950s onwards, the Jewish population gradually dispersed to London's suburbs, leaving the synagogue increasingly underutilised.Conversion to a Mosque and Bangladeshi Community
Following Bangladesh's independence from British colonial rule in 1947, a new community began settling in the East End. Bangladeshi immigrants, particularly from the Sylhet region, arrived seeking employment and found work in the textile factories and manufacturing industries that had once attracted their predecessors. As this community grew and established itself, the need for a dedicated place of Islamic worship became apparent. In 1976, the building was purchased and converted into a mosque, reopening in 1978 as Brick Lane Jamme Masjid. The conversion represented not merely a change in religious function but a continuation of the building's role as a sanctuary for immigrant communities seeking spiritual solace and cultural continuity in their adopted home.Modern Significance and Community Services
Today, Brick Lane Jamme Masjid serves as far more than a place of prayer. The mosque operates comprehensive community programmes, including mother tongue classes where children of Bangladeshi heritage learn Bengali after school, madrasas offering religious instruction in Islam, and intensive Quranic memorisation courses for dedicated students. The building's capacity of 3,200 worshippers, including separate facilities for women, reflects its importance as a major religious institution. A modern minaret-like structure, added by DGA Architects in 2009, provides a contemporary architectural marker while honouring the building's historical significance. The mosque stands adjacent to Altab Ali Park, named after a young Bengali man murdered in a racially motivated attack, serving as a memorial to the struggles faced by immigrant communities in the East End.A Monument to Resilience and Integration
The Brick Lane Jamme Masjid encapsulates the broader narrative of London's East End—a place where successive waves of immigrants have sought refuge, built communities, and gradually integrated into the fabric of British society. Each community left its mark: the Huguenots established the silk-weaving industry, the Jewish community created vibrant cultural and religious institutions, and the Bangladeshi community continues to thrive in textiles and beyond. The building's survival through these transformations, combined with its continued active use, makes it a tangible representation of how diverse newcomers have become integrated into London while maintaining their distinct identities and traditions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
Princelet St
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Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
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The Brick Lane Vintage Market
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Christ Church Spitalfields
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Fashion St
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Dray Walk
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Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
The Truman Brewery Markets
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Commercial St
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A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
Backyard Market
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The Truman Brewery
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Sclater Street Market
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Old Spitalfields Market
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Brick Ln
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Spitalfields Market
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Essential places to dine
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Lyle's
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The Clove Club
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
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14 Hills
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Brawn
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La Dame de Pic London
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Da Terra Restaurant
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Madison
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St. John
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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George
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Middlesex Textiles
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Luna & Curious
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Traders Gate
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The Royal Exchange
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Tower of London Shop
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Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
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Barbican Shop
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Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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Broadway Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Bell
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Floripa
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Ministry of Sound
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
