Merchant of Venice 1100-1200

A New Home

Jan 1, 1066

The jewish community migrated to England in 1066 starting a golden era for the jewish in England. Jewish culrure flourished and many of their most revered literary works came out during this time period. (Knox) (OJC)

Taking the World by Storm

Jan 1, 1096

English nobility marched on Jeruselum to "liberate" it from Jewish rule. This marks the beginning of anti-semitism in England.(Knox)(History of the Jewish People)

Contract to Earn

Jan 1, 1100

A Royal Charter is given to Joseph the cheif Rabbi on London allowing Jewish poeple to move about the country doing fincial errands for the king of England. This gave the Jewish people an advanage over many of the citizens of the country. It did not sit well with many because Jewish pople were seen as lesser citizens(Sturge)(Jewish Virtual Library)

Nothing but Property

Jan 1, 1101

It becomes apparent that the Jewish people are aloud to move freely in the country soley because they are considered property of the King. This promotes the idea that Jewish citizens are lesser than other citizens.(Descendant of Hughes)(History of the Jewish People)

The Golden Era

Period: Jan 1, 1101 to Jan 1, 1139

This is known as the best time for Jewish peoples in England. They were the personal helpers of King Henry I and were trusted with much of the financial matters of the country. This caused some petty jelousy from many groups of citizens because of the wealth the the Jewish were slowly gaining.

Living the High Life

Jan 1, 1128

The first record of a Jewish quarter is mentioned in the "Terrier" of St. Pauls. This is early evidence that the Jewish community had found permanent stead in a portion of London and suggests the Jewish people were common in life in the 12th century. (Kurinsky)(Jewish Virtual Library)

Family Feud

Jan 1, 1141

After the death of the English king, Henry I, his daughter and his nephew fought for the throne. During this civil war, both Matilda and Stephen went to wealthy Jewish citizens and demand money from them. In order to persuade a Jew to pay, Stephen burned down his house. This shows how the English nobles took advantage of Jews both physically and financially to benefit themselves. (The History of the Jewish People) (Coronation of Charles VII)

Sacrificial Lamb

Mar 1, 1144

In 1144, a young apprentice named William of Norwich was murdered and the case went unsolved. Since he regularly came in contact with Jews, many English townspeople blamed the Jews and began to accuse them of sacrificing Christian children for their blood in religious rituals. This event led to many wrongful Jewish murders in England and in other European countries based on this popular myth. (Blood Libel) (Mary Killing Her Antagonist)

An Eye For An Eye

Jan 1, 1149

After the murder of William of Norwich, the blame was placed on local Jews. The trial failed to prove who the murder was, so the followers of Sir Simon de Novers brutally murdered the accused, the Jew Eleazer. Because of this and other events similar, the English found that they could use the Jews as a scapegoat. (Webster) (Hanged, Drawn and Quartered)

The Golden Age

Jan 1, 1154

After the feud between Matilda and Stephen ended and they had agreed that Stephen would rule, the Jews returned to money lending and ended up in competition with the Christian lenders as well. Some Jewish lenders became very wealthy from this business. This competition with the Christians is one of the reasons anti-semitism flourished in England even under the rule of King Henry II when they were valued and protected. (The History of the Medieval Jews in England) (King Henry II)

Money Monopoly

Jan 1, 1154

During the rule of King Henry II, the Jewish people were the primary money lenders. This is because the Catholic Church considered it a sin to lend money with interest. The King protected the Jews but taxed them heavily for their services. This shows that even as an important part of English society, Jews were still taken advantage of. (History of the Jewish People) (English Penny)

Jewish Scholar Bowl

Jan 1, 1158

Abraham Ibn Ezra, a well known Jewish writer who advanced in several subjects like philosophy, mathematics and poetry, found London to be a place intelligence was abundant. He went to London and wrote Iggeret ha-Shabbat and Yesod Mora, two of his best literary works. Ezra’s visit shows that the events happening with the Jews in England were important enough for a famous writer to acknowledge. (London) (Yemeni Jew in Traditional Costume)

Somebody To Lean On

Jan 1, 1159

When the aristocrat, Richard of Anesty, wanted to reclaim his land in 1159, he sought out the help of a Jew to complete the process. Like Richard, the King and others always turned to Jews for financial help. Importance of this reliance is that although the English citizens didn’t like the Jews, they valued their expertise in finances which kept them useful in Medieval times. (Milford) (NBP Gold)

Blame Game

Jan 1, 1167

Harold of Gloucester is murdered. Harold and a few other christian children are randomly killed and the town blames the Jews. The townspeople have no evidence against them other than the fact that they are Jewish. This shows the townspeoples mindframe that they are able to blame everything on the jews.

Political Faceoff

Jan 1, 1181

William The Sexton runs for Abbey of St. Edmonds against Samson. The Jews sided with William while Samson saw the Jews as his property. Samson won office and demanded the Jews to be placed under his authority rather than the kings. This set the Jews of St. Edmonds up for many years of torment and persecution

Money Bags

Jan 1, 1186

Aaron of Lincoln dies. He was thought to be not only the richest Jew in England but the wealthiest man in England. His wealth was said to surpass that of the King's. This shows the Jew's resillance and their ability to continue to succeed even when the odds are against them.

U Turn

Jan 1, 1190

1190 was the turning point for the Jewish community in England. This year was filled with violent acts directed toward the Jews. Until then the Jews had lived relatively undisturbed in England. This year set the tone for years of violence to come.

Castle Clash

Mar 16, 1190

150 Jews were killed in York England following a 6 day standoff. The Jews fled to York Tower to hide from the violent mob but found themselves trapped. Many took their own lives before the mob reached them. The mob had no real reason for attacking. This shows the unjustified persecution the Jews had to face while living in England.

Private Property

Mar 22, 1192

King Richard is angered by the riots in the days before. He sees the loss of Jews as a loss of his property. This illustrates how the Jews are treated during this time. They are seen more as property and assets rather than human beings.

The King Knows Best

Jan 1, 1194

All Debts of Jews killed in recent massacres are still to be paid. All money that would have been paid to Jews will now go to the crown. This was directly following the Third Crusade and the King was trying to make up for lost funds. Not only were the Jews being slaughtered for no reason, but if they lived they would be stripped of their income.