Expulsion of the Jews (APART OF LIFE IN MEDIEVAL ENGLAND) Flashcards
When were Jews first recorded in England?
When William the Conqueror invited them to help with royal finances
Henry also used them to borrow huge sums
This showed that Jews were indispensable to English monarchs
Why did landowners and merchants borrow money from the Jews?
The church banned lending money for interest so the Jews landed the role.
They borrowed money to pay debts to King, buy land or even to go on crusade.
However, people didn’t like being in debt to the Jews
Why did people hate the Jews?
They spoke a different language
Dressed and behaved differently
Didn’t go to church (religion was big in those days)
Required to wear a yellow badge so they can easily be distinguished
What were they blamed for?
Crucifying Christ.
In 1144, a young boy was found dead and everyone blamed the Jews because they thought they used their blood in their weird services.
How many Jews were in England by the time Edward was king?
5,000 (Most were money lenders although a few wool-traders)
Why were Jews less important to the king as a source of taxes?
Many were poor cause Henry taxed them so much
They were being replaced by Italian bankers
They were vulnerable and faced discrimination
What did the Statute of Jewry do? (1275)
Made it illegal for Jews to lend money.
Encouraged them to move into trade or farming
But Edward still taxed them to pay for his crusades
What happened in 1278 and 1279?
Most of the Jews were arrested, their houses ransacked and they were accused of coin clipping
Nearly 30 executed!
How was hatred from the Jews increased?
Rich people
Churches bought debt from Jews then instantly demanded a full repayment
Landowners couldn’t afford this so had to lose land and status
Why did Edward agree to expel the Jews?
In order to place a tax for more money, parliament said they’d give it to him but that all Jews were expelled.
All Jews had to of been gone by 1st November of 1290
How did people react to this?
It could of been Edward’s most popular statute in his entire reign.
One sea captain who was transporting Jews, took them to a low tide river, took his passengers and sailed away leaving the Jews to drown as the tide came in.
Many hated the Jews and many thought it was their punishment as they held Jews responsible for the death of Christ
