Huguenot haunt opens its doors

Considered one of the most remarkable places in London, 19 Princelet Street in Spitalfields is rarely open to the public.

On Sunday, however, in conjunction with celebrations for the Bengali New Year, this magical, unrestored Huguenot master silk weaver's home, whose shabby frontage conceals a rare surviving synagogue built over its garden, is to throw open its doors.

Built in 1719 this 'brick messuage' became the home of the Ogier family, who had escaped from persecution in France. They entered the silk weaving trade and prospered.

As most Huguenots moved on, the elegant Georgian house was sub-divided into lodgings and workshops. Later occupants of the house included Mrs Mary Ellen Hawkins, who used it as an industrial school, and Isaiah Woodcock who was a carver and gilder.

The Irish came, and later the Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. In 1869, in the garden where the Ogier children once played, the Jews erected a synagogue. Underneath the synagogue, they created a place where people could come together, and - much later - prepared to fight together, against intolerance and fascism.

19 Princelet Street, London E1 6QH
Information: 020 7247 5352
Sunday 12 May, noon to 7pm

Bengali New Year celebrations
Weavers Field, Dunbridge Street, E2
Festival with parades, performances and palki rides
Information: 020 7375 0441
Tube: Bethnal Green
10am-6pm