The charity’s origins can be traced back to 1840. The three original homes were called the Hand in Hand Asylum, the Widows’ Home Asylum and the Jewish Workhouse, also known as the Jewish Home. They were established in the old Jewish quarter in London’s East End to cater for the needs of poor Jewish people. 

In 1894 the institutions amalgamated to become the Home for the Aged Jews. In 1904, the Home moved to its current site on Nightingale Lane in Clapham, South West London, following a gift of the house known as ‘Ferndale’ and grounds by Lord Wandsworth, the Viscount de Stern. Lord Wandsworth opened Nightingale House in 1910. 

In the 1970’s The Home for the Aged Jews officially became known as Nightingale House.