Jew

The term ‘Jew’, for a follower of Judaism (the Jewish religion), came into use in medieval Europe, based on the Latin name for Judeans, the people of Judah. In medieval times, Jewish people were amongst the minority who were literate - every Jewish community had a synagogue and a school. In England many Jews spoke four languages - French to the nobles, English to the common people, Hebrew for the home, and Latin for learning. Some were learned scholars and writers. In medieval medicine, many doctors were Jews.

Jews and the English crown In England many Jews came to live in the country after the Norman Conquest. They were useful to the government because they were by law the king's chattels (possessions) - when a Jew died, all his money and possessions were inherited by the king (although a portion was usually returned to the family). The Jewish community was also often called upon to give the king huge loans and fines; after 1194 a Jew called the ‘Arch-Presbyter’ was appointed to arrange Jewish financial relations with the crown. In this way, the Jews helped to pay for the royal government, the Crusades, and for the building of many castles and cathedrals. English Jews lived under the direct protection of the king.

Anti-Semitic feeling Anti-Semitism (prejudice, discrimination, and persecution of the Jews as an ethnic group) was rife among the Christian community. Christians regarded Jews, along with other ‘infidels’ or non-believers such as Muslims and pagans, as enemies of God. The Jews were regarded as the crucifiers of Christ, and regularly slandered with wild accusations, such as the ritual murder of young Christian boys. Jews were hated for their race, and Christian writers often reviled their physical appearance. In many towns, they were forced to live together in ghettos. It has been suggested that the first stone town houses in England were built by the Jews, anxious to protect themselves from attack. The so-called ‘Jews' Houses’ at Lincoln, built of stone, are among the few remaining examples of Norman domestic architecture. Indebtedness to Jewish moneylenders also contributed to anti-Semitic feeling.

Moneylending In Christian law usury (money-lending at interest) was forbidden, so many Jews set up as moneylenders. Contemporary Christian thought was that it was better that the Jews, who were believed to be already damned, should perform this damnable function than Christians, even though the service was much sought after by the Christian community (borrowing was not forbidden). A Jewish moneylender would typically charge 2% interest per week, so they became very wealthy. When Aaron of Lincoln, a notable moneylender, died in 1186, a special department of the Exchequer had to be set up to sort out his money interests.

Usury contributed to anti-Semitism in English society. Many nobles became indebted to Jews, and the historic ‘human-rights’ charter, Magna Carta (1215), included clauses restricting the financial liability of heirs whose fathers had died owing money to Jewish moneylenders. Anti-Jewish rioting marked the coronation of Richard (I) the Lion-heart in 1189 and, in 1190, a mob attacked the Jewish community in York - 150 Jewish men, women, and children found themselves trapped in the wooden castle and committed suicide by setting fire to it. By the reign of Henry III (reigned 1216-1272) Jews could not marry or even eat with Christians, were not allowed in a church or a Christian's house, had to worship quietly so that no Christian might hear them, and had to wear a badge on their chest identifying them as Jews. In 1290 Edward I confiscated all Jewish property and expelled the Jews from England.