Elizabethan England sans Jews

This was from 1290 AD to 1655 AD and a good period in English history; Shakespeare, privateers on the Spanish Main. Merrie England had maypoles and fun. Cromwell put paid to them.

Elizabethan England without Jews
King Edward I issued a decree of expulsion of all Jews from England in 1290. They were commanded to be out of the country by All Saints Day (November 1, 1290).
http://www.heretical.com/British/jews1290.html

In the 17th Century Cromwell (who became Lord Protector) was in need of money and the Jews of Holland (who were descendants of the Jews who had been expelled from Spain) were quite willing to grant him a loan -- on condition that he readmit Jews to England. On December 14, 1655 Cromwell lifted the ban on Jews living in England.

Therefore, there was a span of time from 1 November 1290 AD to 14  December  1655 AD when England was entirely free of Jews. That is a little more than 365 years, the better part of four centuries. This gives us an opportunity to look at the effects of such an expulsion. What was England like during this period?

The Elizabethan Renaissance occurred during this time. Queen Elizabeth I was the daughter of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. During her reign (1533-1603) England enjoyed considerable success in the arts, science, literature, architecture, commerce, and warfare.
http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/95sep/elizabeth.html
http://renaissance.dm.net

Cromwell put an end to progress and fun but as a proto-communist with delusions of grandeur it is not entirely surprising.

 

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Updated on 23/06/2018 21:29