Britain’s First Purpose-Built Mosque

Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, England

When people think of Britain’s Islamic history, many imagine it as something new; shaped by migration in the 20th century. But the truth is far richer and far older. Islam has been part of Britain’s story for centuries, with connections stretching back through trade, diplomacy, scholarship and seafaring. One of the most visible legacies of this history still stands today in Woking, Surrey: the Shah Jahan Mosque, the very first purpose-built mosque in Britain.

The Shah Jahan Mosque was built in 1889, commissioned by Dr. Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner, a Hungarian-British Orientalist and linguist with a deep admiration for Islamic civilisation. The mosque was designed by architect William Isaac Chambers (1847–1924) and built in Bath and Bargate stone. Leitner had a vision: to establish a centre of learning in Britain that would bring together Eastern and Western knowledge, bridging cultures and faiths.

Funding came from Sultan Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal, a remarkable Muslim Queen in India renowned for her philanthropy, scholarship and support of Islamic education. Her generous contribution allowed this mosque to rise in the quiet town of Woking, making it the first in the UK designed specifically as a mosque, rather than a converted space.

The mosque’s architectural design reflects Indo-Islamic and Mughal influences, with its distinctive dome, arches, and minarets; a striking sight in Victorian England.

From its earliest days, the Shah Jahan Mosque became more than just a place of worship. It attracted Muslim diplomats, intellectuals, and converts. By the early 20th century, it had become a hub for Britain’s small but growing Muslim community. Figures like Abdullah Quilliam had links to Woking, and the mosque hosted discussions, Friday prayers and interfaith exchanges. At a time when Muslims were a minority often misunderstood in Britain, the mosque stood as a symbol of dignity, visibility and belonging.

The Shah Jahan Mosque is part of a much bigger picture: the long presence of Muslims in Britain.

• As early as the 16th century, Muslim sailors, scholars, and traders were present in British ports.

• In the Victorian period, Muslim intellectuals and diplomats from South Asia, the Middle East and Africa engaged with British society.

• British converts to Islam, such as Abdullah Quilliam in Liverpool and later Marmaduke Pickthall (translator of the Qur’an into English), played an important role in introducing Islamic thought to wider audiences.

The mosque in Woking became a living testament to these connections.

Today, more than 130 years later, the Shah Jahan Mosque still continues to serve the community. It continues to function as a place of prayer, welcoming visitors and serving as a reminder of Britain’s rich, diverse heritage.

At a time when conversations about identity and belonging are more important than ever, the mosque reminds us that Muslim roots in Britain run deep, and that contributions from the Muslim world have shaped this country in countless ways.

Learning about places like the Shah Jahan Mosque helps us challenge assumptions and celebrate the diversity of British history. It’s not just the story of a building – it’s the story of how Muslims have contributed to Britain’s cultural, intellectual and spiritual life for centuries.