The Jew's House, Lincoln
The Jew's House in Lincoln is one of the earliest extant town houses in England, built around 1170.
The house has traditionally been associated with the thriving Jewish community in Medieval Lincoln.
However, In 1290, Edward I expelled the entire Jewish community from England, and it is believed that the Jew's House was confiscated from its Jewish owner at that time.
The building has been continuously occupied ever since.
Since about 1973 it has been used as a popular restaurant; prior to that it had been an antiques shop for many years.
The grandeur of the entrance, its slightly off-centre placement, and the absence of a front entrance to the adjacent Jew's Court imply that it was likely the original entrance to the medieval synagogue believed to have been located behind the Court.
This house is one of just five remaining medieval Jewish residences in England, reflecting the significant Jewish community that thrived in Lincoln during the 12th and 13th centuries.
The Jews of Lincoln were deeply involved in trade and finance, playing a crucial role in the economic development of the city.
They engaged in various commercial activities, including money lending, which was a key profession for many Jewish people in medieval England due to restrictions on other forms of economic participation.
This occupation, while often contentious, was essential for the local economy, as it provided necessary financial services that supported trade and commerce.
Lincoln's Jewish community was also known for its intellectual and religious contributions.
The scholars and rabbis living there were instrumental in maintaining and developing Jewish religious life and education.
They were part of a broader network of Jewish communities across England, connected through trade, scholarship, and communal ties.
However, the flourishing of the Jewish community in Lincoln faced significant challenges.
Antisemitic hysteria, hostility towards Jewish people, was stoked by a notorious 1255 blood libel alleging that the mysterious death of a Christian child, known as Little Saint Hugh of Lincoln, was the result of him being kidnapped and ritually killed by Jews.
In 1290, the entire Jewish community was expelled from England by Edward I.
If you’d like to visit the historic structure today, it’s located at the junction of Steep Hill and the Strait, between Uphill and Downhill in Lincoln.
As mentioned, it’s now a popular restaurant with raving reviews.
One recent customer said: “A wonderful six course tasting menu, or delicacy, flair and big flavours. Cannot recommend highly enough.
”We were in a separate upstairs dining room which felt very special and the staff were wonderful making it feel special and homely at the same time.
”Samantha was welcoming, knowledgeable, interesting and charming!”
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