This document discusses medieval anti-Semitism in Britain from 1190 to 1290 CE. During this time, Jews faced increasing restrictions and animosity from Christians, despite providing financial services to the monarchy. In 1190, 150 Jews were massacred in York. In 1290, King Edward I expelled all Jews from England, confiscating their property. For the next 365 years, there is no record of Jews living in England.
2. Usury & The Catholic Church
Definition of usury?
Catholics: paradoxical relationship with
Jews
Church opposes usury, BUT…
Jewish financial functions heavily support Royal
Exchequer (treasury), including tax collecting
3. Usury & The Catholic Church
Money was replacing feudal loyalty as
main indicator of land control
Jews prospered from “government
contracts” --> Monarchy perpetually in
debt-->Fuels Christian animosity toward
Jews
4. King Henry I’s Royal Charter
Granted to Joseph (chief rabbi of London)
Exemption from taxes & tolls
Buy and sell goods and property
Trial by jury of peers
Swear on Torah instead of Bible
1 Jew’s oath = 12 Christian oaths
5. Passover Massacre - 1190
Richard’s charter to Ysaac
Confirmation of Joseph’s charter
1189 - Dispute over admission of Jews to
Richard I’s coronation
Spring 1190 - 150 Jews massacred at
York; goods and property taken
6. Over the next hundred years...
Jewish social standing varies by king
Papal edicts on both sides
Increasing restrictions from @1270:
No moneylending
No business or social interaction with fellow
citizens
7. The Expulsion, 1290
Edward I expels all Jews from England
Take portable property
Everything else goes to the King
1290-1655: No record of Jews in England
8. Popular Literary Styles
“Miracle of the Virgin”
Miraculous occurrence attributed to Virgin
Mary
“Blood Libel”
Kidnap, torture, ritual murder
Passover matzohs - the secret ingredient?
9. Little St. Hugh
Popular Blood Libel: Hugh of Lincoln
Crucified by Jews at age 9
Earth refused to cover him; thrown in a well
@ 20 killed for his murder; 90 imprisoned &
sentenced to death in London