Lincoln, a historic city in England, is known for its stunning cathedral, medieval architecture, and deep historical roots. However, one of its lesser-known yet significant aspects is its Jewish history, which dates back to the medieval period. The Jewish community in Lincoln played a crucial role in the city's development, yet it also faced persecution and tragedy.
The Arrival of the Jewish Community
Jews first settled in Lincoln in the 12th century, during a time when Jewish communities were beginning to establish themselves in various parts of England. The Jewish population in Lincoln grew as part of a broader movement under the protection of King Henry I, who allowed Jewish people to engage in trade, finance, and property ownership.
Lincoln became one of the most prominent Jewish centres outside London, with a thriving community involved in lending money to local landowners, merchants, and even the Crown. This was a period when Jews, forbidden from owning land, were often restricted to occupations such as moneylending due to Christian prohibitions against usury.
The Tragedy of Little Saint Hugh of Lincoln
One of the darkest chapters in Lincoln’s Jewish history is the case of Little Saint Hugh of Lincoln. In 1255, an eight-year-old boy named Hugh was found dead in a well. His death led to a blood libel, and false accusations that Jewish people had murdered him in a ritualistic manner.
The case sparked widespread anti-Semitic hysteria. King Henry III intervened, ordering the arrest of nearly 100 Jewish men from Lincoln. Eighteen were executed, and their property was confiscated. Hugh was venerated as a saint, though the Catholic Church never officially canonised him. A shrine was erected within Lincoln Cathedral, of which only the base remains. Today, a plaque at Lincoln Cathedral acknowledges the injustice of these accusations and the suffering it caused the Jewish community.
Anti-Semitic Roof Tile
If you look up whilst on the city's historic Steep Hill, you might catch a glimpse of a replica roof tile above No. 55 which portrays the head of a bearded man with a large nose and pointed hat. This is a copy of a Medieval tile which forms part of Lincoln Museum's collection and is believed to be a stereotype of a local Jewish figure from the period.
Expulsion and Legacy
In 1290, King Edward I issued the Edict of Expulsion, which forced all Jews to leave England. This marked the end of Lincoln’s medieval Jewish community. Many Jewish-owned buildings, including the famous "Jew’s House" on Steep Hill, remain as architectural testaments to their presence.
Despite the expulsion, Lincoln's Jewish history continues to be remembered. In modern times, efforts have been made to recognise and educate people about the contributions and hardships of the medieval Jewish community. Today, Lincoln stands as a place where history is both acknowledged and preserved, ensuring that the stories of its Jewish past are not forgotten.
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