Tales of the Urban Explorer: Greenbank Synagogue

“We can try, but I don’t know whether you can manage this, it's kind of tricky and a second-storey climb". @anidiotexplores had recently explored “Greenbank Synagogue” and so was well aware of what was needed to get inside.

I have since discovered security used to guard “Greenbank Synagogue” and take bribes for access. The fee is noted further down, but you know inflation is rampant in the UK and these 'prices' could change subject to your sex and breast size, assuming the guards are blokes.

The guards are now back and I hear once again resuming their shady side business. Could it be they were taking a week off in Benidorm during our visit using their gains to go on a cheap shagging holiday?

Greenbank Synagogue is a Grade II listed building and former synagogue in the Sefton Park area of Liverpool, England.

Constructed for the local Jewish congregation in 1937, the building has been described as the most important 20th-century synagogue in England in terms of architecture, as well as the finest surviving architectural example of a synagogue from the interwar period.

Source

It also closed its doors in 2008 and despite that being 'long ago', I was in for a surprise when discovering its inner condition.

Source

In 2019 an explorer almost fell to his death, his mates cheerfully did a YouTube session while he was struggling for his life.

It was a busy day and we had to get past these gates. Hallelujah to the Star of David. If he hadn’t been part of these gates, it would have been a lot more difficult to scramble over.

…’my foot just about managed to get in between those delicate sections on an otherwise vertical barred and tough to scale gate’…

"That's the easy part mate, follow me..."

I duly did just that, to the rear of “Greenbank Synagogue” and let out a large resounding sigh.

“You got up there, and through that titchy window?”

I gazed in astonishment at him, his climbing skills were increasing by the week.

“It’s easier than it looks…”

I will say sometimes you need a third eye to weigh up the situation.

It was 14 feet up, and getting up there was not so much the issue but my lack of flexibility in getting a stiff leg through that small upper window.

“Grab it and pull” I yelled at @anidiotexplores feeling myself slipping a little. He grabbed and twisted my leg just inside the metal-framed window edged with a little broken glass.

Alone, I think I would have struggled. You have to help out your comrades at times.

It would have been easier to bribe a guard and have a chat about cheap beer, dodgy pizza, the Costa Blanca, and British slappers for sure.

“Fucking hell man, well done.., that’s the toughest yet by far!”, he congratulated me.

I did feel good and exhilarated. There was of course the small matter of getting back out to think about, but as an explorer, we deal with all that shit... later.

We wasted no time and made our way to the main religious area knowing that this one was not a wreck.

The Jews have no fondness for the Nazi's but I doubt they would deface their own shrine. Fortunately, we spotted little in the way of vandalism.

Most explorers are likely escorted around, so sledgehammers and spray paints are not going to work well here.

The ever watchful Owl, what he was doing is anyone’s guess but he seemed to fit with the surroundings.

The advertisement for ‘Vans’ looked out of place.

The interior of “Greenbank Synagogue” was impressive with some decay but not enough to transform it into something unusable.

We made our way down some stairs and I looked upon what could have been someone’s Patronus. If you are not a Harry Potter then click the link to learn something.

While this would have been quite magical it was just @anidiotexplores ‘lighting up’ and leaving a cloud of toxic fumes hanging around.

It was beginning to look a little derpy below the main floor with the paintwork peeling badly in places.

Other than some slight damage to part of the seating, it was nonetheless still impressive.

A view from the would-be official entrance looking into the main chamber.

The notice-board held little besides a few ‘important numbers’

We descended once again and the condition of "Greenbank Synagogue" took a turn for the worse.

I had to rummage through all this stuff. I wonder if they allow it using the 'Bribed Tour' method?

'Prayers in the House of Mourning', written in Hebrew I assume. You have to read these backward, like the Japanese.

Leaving behind the basement area we climbed back up. It looked semi-respectable for something abandoned well over a decade beforehand.

You could even have a legitimate piss. I try if possible to use the local amenities.

The death dates are alien to me; a true Jew would understand this, I'm sure.

Under the main church area was a very large open area with a raised section. Did they hold rave's down here?

That’s very direct. You will pay for your mistakes!

Lots of wood surrounding, teak if I am not mistaken, and hopefully not that cheap shit purchased at B&Q or MFI.

Not all explorers are escorted, there was a little vandalism.

Some discarded chandeliers and the original stone marker symbolising the opening of “Greenbank Synagogue” were found in an upper room.

Arse padding but not very good for your back; quite typical of church seating.

There’s always a smattering of idiots, maybe the one who almost fell to his death had to make his mark.

Brush off the cobwebs, muck and it could be used again tomorrow.

There was little of this 1961 newspaper left. Selfridges are mentioned, as well as some of the ‘latest fashions’.

I didn’t look through the yearbook, as religion is hardly my thing.

Some strange thumbprints of authenticity were found on the security procedures letter. I kept my distance from them. It could well be stamped in shit for all I know.

Colourful literature from 1998 that only a Jew would understand; if anyone wants to chip in, please do.

A list of speakers and the days they were due to deliver perhaps?

"There's a bloke watching you", jibbed @anidiotexplores who appeared to float out of the window and descend the 14 feet with ease.

Sure enough, an interested neighbour was watching my slow progress at getting out. To be honest it was far easier than entering due to a very helpful chair perched next to the open window.

I found it surprising that we were not accosted by a single member of the public.

I believe the upper window access is now sealed, and the only way in is the 'bribe' method, and only if the guards are in a good mood. Last known pricing was £5, popcorn and beer is extra.

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