The History of the Jews in England

(1066-1655)

This page provides a brief overview of both the history of the Jews in England and the varying position that the Jewish community held in England over 600 years.

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Although there are many specific details of the settlements, development, and progression of the Jews in England between the years 1066-1655, a single general pattern emerges: Jews came, were subject to increasing persecution, and eventually all expelled from England. This general pattern defines the course of the Jews in England until shortly after Shakespeare's death.

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Entry--Increasing Persecution--Expulsion

(click on a date if you want additional information)

Summary of History

1066 -Jews enter England

1144 -first ritual murder charge, or case of "blood libel" involving William of Norwich

1189 -the Third Crusade

1194 -Crown establishes Exchequer of the Jews

1217 -English Jews made to wear yellow badges

1255 -blood libel case: Hugh of Lincoln

1265 -rising influence of Italian bankers makes Jewish financial services superfluous

1269 -Jewish rights gradually restricted

1290 -Jews expelled from England

THREE AND A HALF CENTURIES OF EXILE FROM ENGLAND

1594 -execution of Roderigo Lopez

1597 -Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

1655 -Manasseh Ben Israel negotiates with Cromwell for re-admission of Jews into England

The Stage History of Shylock / Index Page / Geocities