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.

1. Medieval Anti-Semitism
1190 – 1290 CE
Honors Major British Writers
Mr. Bariexca

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