Percy Galkoff: A Liverpool Kosher Butcher
by A Century of Wurst: The history of the only surviving tiled kosher butcher`s shop in the United Kingdom.
John Stubbs and Sons the marble company of Crown Street Liverpool, supplied the 3in thick white Italian marble butcher’s slabs in the shop that are still in situ. The company also supplied the marble fittings to transatlantic liners and also provided much of the finishing’s and monuments of the Mersey Road Tunnel, Queensway.
The unique green tiled façade dates from the 1930’s and is of particular architectural and cultural importance as it is one of the last remaining buildings in the city to bear witness to a once thriving community in this neighbourhood. Incidentally Liverpool’s last kosher butchers sadly closed its doors in 2007 and customers now have to travel to Manchester and Leeds for their kosher meats.
The premises remained in the ownership of the Galkoff`s family for Seventy Two years until the lease was sold back to Liverpool City Council in 1979 for £100 following Sydney’s retirement to Southport and the subsequent closure of the business.
Note: In the Jewish community birds and mammals that are to be eaten are slaughtered according to Jewish law (Deut. 12:21). Jews may not eat animals that died of natural causes (Deut. 14:21) or eat animals killed by other animals. No flaws or diseases must be present in the animals. These restrictions do not apply to fish; only to the flocks and herds (Num. 11:22).
This article is dedicated to the memory of my late friends Mr Cyril Galkoff and Dr Cecil Moss to whom I will always be grateful for their kind assistance, encouragement and support in my efforts to retain Galkoff`s for future generations to appreciate.
Table (a) Jewish Population Data
- 1750 – Earliest Jewish Community in Liverpool
- 1895 – 5,000 (The Jewish Year Book 1896)
- 1934 – 7,000 (The Jewish Year Book 1935)
- 1945 – 7,500 (The Jewish Year Book 1946)
- 1965- 7,500 (The Jewish Year Book 1956)
- 1976 – 6,500 (The Jewish Year Book 1977)
- 1980 – 5,950 (The Jewish Year Book 1981)
- 1990 – 5,000 (The Jewish Year Book 1991)
- 1992 – 4,000 (The Jewish Year Book 1993)
- 1998 – 3,000 (The Jewish Year Book 1999)
- 2004 – 2,698 (The Jewish Year Book 2005)
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Post CommentJ Owen
On December 9, 2007 at 10:56 am
An excellent article. Well written full of interesting and informative information.
John Miesom
On December 12, 2007 at 9:41 am
Excellent article and an enjoyable read.
george roberts
On July 14, 2008 at 7:17 am
a fine article. I am trying to contact anyone who has knowledge of or photos of ‘Sid Harris’ kosher butcher of granby street liverpool 8. I worked for him and lived across the street from his shop, opposite the school. I worked as an assistant to Sid during the mid 50ts before being called up for conscription.
If anyone has further information or photos of granby street during the 50ts. Please send them to me. g1937@live.co.uk thanks g roberts.
Harry Woolham
On December 7, 2008 at 4:56 am
Wonderful article and gives an insight into Liverpool`s Jewish heritage.
Len
On January 24, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I throughly enjoy this article as it explained a lot of things about the origins of Liverpool`s Jewish community and the lovely building in Pembroke Place. I sincerely hope you are able to bring this very sad matter to a conclusion and that the Jewish community appreciate your unselfish and brave efforts.
Thank you for you efforts
Geoff Winstan
On January 24, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I think you are a remarkable person, a good author and a typical Liverpudlian. It is a pity that there are not more people like you who unselfishly dedicate their time and resources protecting and documenting this wonderful city`s diminishing social and architectural heritage on your own without and blowing your own trumpet.
You are the type of person who should be recognised and given an award for your efforts in the meantime have a pat on the back from me. Bravo, Geoff
Pete
On February 1, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I like your article it was an enjoyable read. Thank you
Jon Issacs
On February 9, 2009 at 1:42 pm
A wonderful article that for the first time explains to me the origins on my culture in England in such a comprehensive and succinct matter. I suspect the author and property owner is not Jewish otherwise he and the building would not have been treated in such a disrespectful way. This situation would not occur in my home city of Manchester nor any other town in England with such an important and long standing Jewish history and heritage. I wish Mr Ainsworth every success with his mammoth and laudable adventure. This certainly is not the way in which a city should treat its Georgian and Jewish heritage.
John Williams
On March 3, 2009 at 8:00 am
I was born in the Royal infirmary in Pembroke Place which was a wartime emergency maternity unit and my first home was a nearby flat. Several years ago I asked my mother, who was a Catholic, if she knew anything about Galkoff’s as a Jewish friend had written to me enquiring about the premises. My mother told me that Mr Galkoff was the person designated to supply my mother with her ration of meat. It is a fact that my first meals on earth were in some measure kosher, and this thought makes me smile.
In the early 60’s used to work for a Jewish bespoke tailor in London Road and remember that the area abounded with people carrying partially made suits and materials. It saddens me that that hustle and bustle has gone now.
I am intensely proud of Liverpool’s Jewish heritage. Keep up the good work.
Leon Savitz
On May 21, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Its people like you that go unrewarded who should be given the recognition you probally do not aspire to. I would very much like to meet you and shake your hand.
Best wishes
Leon
T W Carlett
On June 25, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I recently heard the property is programmed for demolition. Liverpool European Capital of Culture…..hahahahahah. These uncultured Scousers will take the p**s out of anyone, institution, cultures or heritage bodies. Should be awarded the “European Captial for Antisemitism 2009. I intend to give the place a wide berth in the future.
D Herbert
On September 3, 2009 at 10:15 am
Comments from T W Carlett are inaccurate and offensive, Liverpool is the least anti-semitic city in Britain. Perhaps if he had read the article fully he would appreciate this.