The History of the First Mosque in the UK
When we think of mosques in the UK today, we often picture the large, community-centric hubs in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. But the roots of Islamic architecture and community in Britain go back much further than many realise. The story of the first mosques in the UK is a tale of Victorian converts, wealthy travelers, and a growing recognition of Islam in the West.
The Shah Jahan Mosque: A Victorian Gem in Woking
Depending on how you define "mosque" (a purpose-built structure vs. a converted building), the title of the "first mosque" usually goes to the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, Surrey. Built in 1889, it stands as a stunning example of Mughal architecture right in the English home counties.
The Vision
It was commissioned by Dr. Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner, a Hungarian-British orientalist who wanted to create a centre for Islamic study for students at his Oriental Institute. The funding came largely from the female ruler of Bhopal, Sultan Shah Jahan Begum, which is why the mosque bears her name.
The Architecture
Designed by architect William Isaac Chambers, the mosque is a beautiful oddity for its time and place. With its turquoise dome, minarets, and intricate calligraphy, it was an exotic addition to the Surrey landscape. It wasn't just a building; it was a statement that Islam had a place in British society.
The Liverpool Muslim Institute: The Community Hub of the North
While Woking had the first purpose-built mosque, Liverpool had arguably the first functioning mosque community in the way we understand it today. This was established by Abdullah Quilliam (born William Henry Quilliam), a local solicitor who converted to Islam in 1887 after visiting Morocco.
In 1889—the same year the Shah Jahan Mosque was completed—Quilliam opened the Liverpool Muslim Institute at 8 Brougham Terrace. This wasn't just a prayer hall. It was a thriving community centre that included:
- A school
- A library
- A museum
- An orphanage for non-Muslim children
Quilliam's approach was distinctly British. He held lectures, wrote hymns (setting Islamic teachings to familiar Victorian tunes), and engaged with the local press. He was even given the title of Sheikh-ul-Islam of the British Isles by the Ottoman Caliph.
The Significance of These Early Mosques
These early institutions weren't just places of worship; they were cultural bridges. They showed that being British and being Muslim were not mutually exclusive.
- Woking served as a hub for visiting dignitaries and the elite, notably hosting Queen Victoria's Indian secretary and other prominent figures.
- Liverpool served the working classes and the converts, creating a template for the social welfare model that many modern mosques aspire to today.
Fast Forward to Today
From these two pioneering establishments, the landscape of British Islam has grown exponentially. Today, there are over 1,500 mosques in the UK, ranging from converted terraced houses to purpose-built eco-mosques like the Cambridge Central Mosque.
But every time we step into a mosque in the UK, we are walking in the footsteps of those Victorian pioneers—Dr. Leitner, the Shah Jahan Begum, and Abdullah Quilliam—who first laid the foundations for our community over 130 years ago.
Visit the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking or the Abdullah Quilliam Society in Liverpool to see this history for yourself!