Edict of Expulsion of Jews from England - July 12, 1290

On July 12, 1290, King Edward I of England issued the Edict of Expulsion, a royal decree that ordered the expulsion of all Jews from the Kingdom of England. This act marked the culmination of a series of increasingly restrictive and punitive measures against Jewish communities in medieval England.

Historical Context

The presence of Jews in England began to be documented following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Jews established communities and engaged primarily in money lending, an occupation that Christians were barred from due to church laws against usury. Initially, they were directly protected by the Crown, as the monarchs saw potential revenue sources in Jewish finances through taxation.

However, over time, deep-seated anti-Semitic sentiments grew. Jews were subjected to increasing hostility, fueled by social tensions and economic disparities. Accusations of usury, blood libel, and the increasing imposition of taxes and levies by the Crown eroded their safety and livelihoods.

King Henry III, prior to Edward I, imposed oppressive legislations and physical symbols like the yellow badge. These laid the groundwork for further discriminatory acts by the state.

Key Events Leading to Expulsion

• Statute of Jewry (1275): Passed by Edward I, this statute restricted the Jewry’s business operations significantly. It forbade them from lending money at interest, drastically affecting their traditional business model.

• Escalation of Anti-Jewish Sentiment: Periodic violence against Jews, heightened religious zeal, and financial motives, as many lords and the Crown were indebted to Jewish moneylenders, exacerbated tensions.

The Edict of Expulsion

The edict was declared in July 1290 and mandated that all Jews leave the country by All Saints’ Day (November 1) of the same year. The Jewish population, estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals, was forced to abandon their properties and wealth, much of which was confiscated by the Crown. Any Jew found in England after the deadline was subject to execution.

Edward I leveraged the expulsion as a political maneuver to gain favor with the church and consolidate baronial support. It also relieved the Crown of its debts to Jews whose monetary claims could now be nullified.

Aftermath and Significance

• Impact on Jews: Many Jews sought refuge in Scotland, which did not adhere to England’s policies, or fled to continental Europe. This expulsion was one of the first of its kind in Europe, echoing later expulsions in France and Spain.

• England’s Context: The expulsion lasted until 1656, when Oliver Cromwell informally allowed Jews to return, though there was no official legal repeal of the original edict.

• Broader Historical Significance: The Edict of Expulsion marked a significant event in Jewish history indicating systematic persecution and set a precedent for similar actions across medieval Europe.

The expulsion reflects the broader societal tendencies toward religious intolerance and economic exploitation in medieval societies. It underscores the precarious positions of minority communities under medieval European rule and adds a troubled chapter to the history of Jewish–Christian relations.