The Second Part of a Short DEMVRRER TO THE IEVVES Long discontinued REMITTER into ENGLAND Containing a Brief Chronological Collection of the most material RECORDS in the reigns of King John Henry 3. and Edward 1. relating the History Affaires State Condition Priviledges Obligations Debts Legal Proceedings Justices Taxes Misdemeanors Forfeitures Restraints Transactions of the Jews in and final Banishment out of England never formerly published in Print with some short usefull Observations upon them Worthy the knowledge of all Lawyers Scholars Statists and of such Jews who desire Re-admission into England By VVilliam Prynne Esquire a Bencher of Lincolns-Inne Amos 3. 3. Can two walk together unless they be agreed Gregorius lib. 7. Registri Epist 226. Surius Tom. 2. Concil p. 698. Cùm Excellentia vestra Reccaredus Rex Gothorum Suevorum Constitutionem quandam contra Judaeorum perfidiam dedisset hi de quibus prolata fuerat rectitudinem vestrae mentis inflectere pecuniarum summam offerendo moliti sunt quam Excellentia vestra contempsit omnipotentis Dei placere judicio requirens auro innocentiam praetulit Si igitur ab armato Rege in Sacrificium Dei versa est aqua contempta pensemus quale sacrificium omnipotenti Deo Rex obtulit qui pro amore illius non aquam SED AURUM ACCIPERE CONTEMPSIT Itaque fili Excellentissime fidenter dicam quia libasti AURUM Domino quod contra eum habere noluisti LONDON Printed and sold by Edward Thomas in Green Arbor 1656. To the Ingenuous Reader THe Extraordinary Coldness and Shortness of the Time I had to compile transcribe publish my Short Demurrer to the Jews long discontinued Remitter into England that it might come into the world in due season before any final Resolves upon the late Whitehall Debates and Consults concerning it necessitated me not only to omit three or four less pertinent Passages in some of our Historians concerning the English Jews with some few others relating to their misdemeanors in foraign parts which I have since supplied and to be more sparing in refuting reverend Sir Edward Cooks mistakes touching the time of the making of the Statute de Judaismo and the Jews voluntary banishing of themselves thereupon without any particular Act or Edict of the King and Parliament for their universal Exile and Expulsion hence which I have more fully refuted in the second inlarged Edition thereof beyond all contradiction But likewise to leave out most of the unprinted Records in the reigns of King John Henry the 3. and Edward the 1. relating to the History State Affairs of the Iews in England under them and to their final Banishment thence which Records because I could not conveniently insert into the Second Impression for fear of increasing it into an over-large bulke and of over prejudicing those who had bought the first Edition I have therefore digested into a Chronological method according to their series of time and published apart by themselves in this Second Part that so such who have bought the first Impression may annex them thereunto and those who shall buy the second may bind them up with it if they see cause into which Impression I have inserted only such new Records not extant in the first as were necessary to clear some passages in our Histories and to refute our learned Sir Edward Cooks mistakes whose venerable Authority hath misguided many especially of the long robe in point of the Jews expulsion and date of the Statute de Iudaismo VVhat new light information or satisfaction this Additional Publication may yield to the judicious Readers consisting of unprinted and for the most part unknowu Records never formerly published I cannot divine yet the great satisfaction my former Demurrer hath given to and kind acceptation it hath found with most godly and judicious persons throughout the Nation give me some good assurance that this Appendix to back and illustrate it will not be unwelcom but delightfull to them especially to those of my own Profession for whose information I principally intended it I hope both of them united will through Gods blessing prove a perpetual Barr to the Antichristian Iews re-admission into England both in this new-fangled age all future Generations maugre all printed pleas and Endeavors for their present Introduction the sole end of their publication by The unfeigned weak Endeavor to Promote his Saviours Honour Religions Safety with his Native Countries weal and Prosperity by this Undertaking WILLIAM PRYNNE Lincolnes Inne Feb. 1. 1655 6 The Second Part of a short Demurrer to the Iews long discontinued barred Remitter into ENGLAND HAving in my late Short Demurrer to the Jews long discontinued barred Remitter into England presented the world with an Exact Chronological History of the English Jews and their affairs from their very first arival in England under King William the Conqueror till their universal final Banishment and Expulsion thence in the 18 year of King Edward the first after about 260 years continuance in our Island collected out of the best printed Historians Law-books and some few Records I conceived it not only expedient but necessary to second amplifie and illustrate it with this new Chronological Collection of such unprinted and generally unknown Records remaining in the Tower of London and Exchequer during the respective reigns of King John King Henry the 3. and Edward the 1. as properly relare to the History State affairs Legai transactions Proceedings Contracts Government of the Iews in England under these three Kings and to their final Banishment hence which for want of time and other causes I could not conveniently insert into my first Demurrer The Reasons inducing me hereunto are 1. The Rarity and Novelty of these Records never formerly published in print I have been informed by persons of Credit that our great learned late deceased Antiquary Mr. Iohn Selden many years since made a particular collection of the Records concerning the English Iews and gave them to Mr. Samuel Purchas to insert into his Pilgrimage who in his 3. Edit thereof Lond. 1617. B. 2. ch 10. Sect. 17. p. 171. published a Section with this Title to it Of the Jewes somtimes living in England collected out of ancient Records by Mr. JOHN SELDEN of the Inner-Temple wherin there is such a poor maimed accompt given of them out of Records or Histories and so â—ifferent from that delivered him that upon the publication thereof Mr. Selden was very much offended with Mr. Purchas for abusing him in such a manner and his Readers likewise there being not above 3 Records and those maimedly cited in that whole Section which defect I thought meet here to supply 2ly The rectifying and refuting of some Mistakes in Sir Edward Cook his 2 Institutes concerning the Statute de Iudaismo and the Jews Banishment out of England which I have more fully refelled in my second Edition and shall here further clear by several Records 3ly The illustration and ratification of some Passages in our
Historians touching the slavish condition and frequent Taxes imposed on the Jews by our Kings 4ly The fuller discovery of the manner of their Contracts Stars Legal Proceedings Judicatories transactions and Government whilst in England wherein our Histories and Lawbooks are very defective 5ly The manifestation of the Machiavillian Policy of King Iohn and Henry the 3d to draw the Jews from forraign parts into England by granting them ample Liberties and Protection on purpose afterwards to ensnare oppress vex squeeze prey upon them and their estates with far greater greedinesse and advantage 6ly To publish to the world the zealous pious care of our Ancestors even in grossest times of Popery to prevent all communion of Christians with and sedâ—ction by the Jews to suppress their blasphemy convert them by compelling them to resort to the Friers Sermons for their edification providing for their converts by sundry Ordinances not mentioned in any printed English Historians but only in the Records here published 7ly To adde a further Barr to their Re-admission into England they having been invited hither if Menasseh Ben-Israel may be credited by divers EMINENT PERSONS excelling both in Piety and Learning as well as power who from the beginning of their Government of this Commonwealth have professed much respect and favor towards them made known unto them some years since that wished for liberty that they now are about to grant them as he in his late Humble Addresses and Declaration to the Commonwealth of England hath published to the world in print being now inquiring after a convenient Summer-house intending to settle himself at least if not his exiled Nation here among us whereas Pierce Gaveston a Forraigner and the two Spencers great Potent Englishmen have heretofore lost their lives and heads for returning into England without the Parliaments and Nobles license though by the Kings own invitation and license when banished thence by Parliament which this Jewish Rabbi and his banished Countrimen may do well advisely to consider for fear of afterclaps The first Records of our former Kings now extant except some few Charters and Exemplifications of them in Leiger-books Records and Histories are those of King Iohn preserved in the Tower of London and Exchequer Amongst the Charter Rolls of this King Iohn I find a special Charter of his in favour of the Jews made in the first year of his reign dated at Rhoan July 31. Anno Dom. 1199. whereby he grants to James of London a Jewish Priest the Priesthood of all the Jews throughout England to have and hold it during his life freely quietly honorably and intirely without molestation trouble or disturbance by any Jew or Englishman in the exercise thereof c. Such a Charter as Menasseh Ben-Israel now aspires after for himself as his Addresses intimate which because I find printed by Mr. Samuel Purchas and Sir Edward Cook and I have already published it verbatim in my Short Demurrer Edit 1. p. 44. and Edit 2. p. 50. 51. I shall here pretermit with this observation that in the close thereof there is mention made of a Charter of King Richard granted to this Jew That he should not be impleaded for any thing appertaining to him but only before the King himself or his chief Justice This is the very first Charter extant on record conning the English Jews What is recorded of them in our Histories before this rime I have elsewhere published at large I find another Charter of Safe-conduct granted by K. John to this Jewish Priest the self-same day and year as the former for his safe and free passage and of all things appertaining to him in all places both on this side and beyond the Sea without any injury molestation impediment or grievance to be done unto him more then to the King himself which being never yet printed I have here transcribed out of the Record it self Johannis Dei gratia c. Omnibus fidelibus suis ad quos Literae praesentes pervenerint tà m ultrà mare quà m citra Mandans vobis praecipiens Quatenus per quascunque Villas loca Jacobus Presbyter Judaeorum dilectus familiaris Noster transierit ipsum salvò liberè cum omnibus ad ipsum pertinentibus transire conduci faciatis nec ipsi aliquod impedimentum molestiam aut gravamen fieri sustineatis plus quam Nobis ipsis Et si quis ei in aliquo forisfacere praesumpserit id ei sine dilatione emendadari faciatis Teste VVillielmo Marisco c. Dat. per manum Hu. Cantuar. Archiepiscopi Cancellarii nostri apud Rothomagum 31. die Julii Anno Regni nostri primo It is observable that both these Charters were made not in England but at Rhoan in Normandy whence King William the Conqueror first transplanted the Jewes into England And that both the Charters to this High Priest os the Iews were granted by the hand of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury then Chancellor Primate Metropolitan and High Priest of the English Nation whose Successors have justified the Divinity and Lawfulness of their Archiepiscopal Jurisdiction from the Jewish High Priests Office and Pagan Archflamins Sic mulus mulum scalpit Dignum Patello operculum King John having granted such Priviledges and Protection to this Jewish High Priest and Bishop in the first year of his reign proceeded by his and their monies most powerfull mediation to confirm and grant many ample Priviledges and Immunities to all the English and Norman Jews in his 2 year by these two ensuing Charters not formerly printed which I shall here transcribe verbatim as I finde them on Record The first runs thus Johannes Dei gratia c. Sciatis Nos concessisse Omnibus Judaeis Angliae Normanniae libere et honoâ—ifice habere residentiam in terra nostra omnia illa de Nobis tenenda quae tenuerunt de Rege Henrico Avo Patris nostri et omnia illa quae modo rationabiliter tenent in terris et feodis vadiis akatis suis quod habeant omnes libertates consuetudines suas sicut eas habuerunt tempore praedicti Regis H. Avi patris nostri melius quiecius honorabilius Et si querela orta fuerit inter Christianum et Judaeum ille qui alium appellaverit ad querelam suam dirationandam habeat Testes scilicet legittimum Christianum Iudaeum Et si Iudaeus de querela sua Breve habuerit Breve suum erit ei testis Et si Christianus habuerit querelam adversus Iudaeum sit judicata per Pares Judaei Et cum Iudaeus obierit non detineatur corpus suum super terram sed habeant homines sui pecuniam suam debita sua ita quod mihi non disturbetur si habuerit haeredem qui pro ipso respondeat rectum faciat de debitis suis de forisfacto suo Et liceat Judaeis omnia quae eis apportata fuerint sine occasione
Katerinae extra Lincoln et Robertus de Blund ad aperiendas Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis Lincoln Stainford Eodem modo assign Abbas Sancti Augustini Bristol et Bartholm le Ieovene Constabularius Castri de Bristol ad aperiend Archas Cirograf Judaismi Bristol Eodem modo assignatur Bartholomeus de Suthleye una cum aliquo alio fideli ad aperiend Arch. Cirograf Judaismi Wigorn. In cujus c. Teste ut supra Rex dilecto sibi in Christo Priori Norwici et dilecto Clerico suo VVillielm de Middleton salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus vos ad aperiend Archam Cirograf Judaismi nostri Norwici et ad scrutand et examinand Cartas et omnia debita in illa Archa inventa et omnia debita illa irrotulanda et ad plenum scrutinium inde faciend et ad omnia ea nobis distincte et aperte sub sigillis vestris referenda Et ideo vobis mandamus quod ad certum diem quem ad hoc provideatis Archam illam aperiatis et Cartas omnia debita in eadem inventa diligenter scutemini et facto scrutinio illo praemissa omnia irrotuletis et Archa illa secure reclusa eam sigillis vestris sigilletis Ita quod non aperiatur donec aliud inde duxerimus Ordinandum Proviso quod nullas Cartas extra eandem Archam existentes ponatis in eandem nec aliquas ibidem inventas ab eadem extrahatis vel aliquo modo extrahi permittatis Et si quas Cartas in manibus Cirograf nostrorum extra Archam illam inveneritis eas per se irrotulari et in securo loco reponi faciatis In cujus c. apud Turr. London 24 die Novembris Eodem modo assignatur Walt. de Helynn una cum aliquo alio fideli Regis quem sibi assignaverit ad aperiendas Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis Hereford et Gloucester Eodem modo assignatur Iohannis Wigorn. et Roger de Evesham ad aperiend Arch. Cirograf Judaismi Regis Exon. et ad scrutand ut supra Eodem modo assignatur Hugo de Stapleford una cum aliquo alio fideli Regis quem sibi associau ad aperiendas Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis Huntindon Bedford Northampt. Oxon. Eodem modo assignatur Prior de London et Willielmus de Stirkeslegh ad aperiend Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis Lincoln et Stainford In cujus c. Tese ut supra I have rehearsed all these Patents and Commissions at large because they vary some thing from each other in form prescribe general and universal searches of the Jews common Chests and Writings and manifest how and where they were dispersed into most of the chief Cities and Towns of England and where they had Chests more exactly then most other Records This year there falling out some difference between the Jews and the Sheriff of Oxford who had the Custody and Regulation of the Oxford Jews thereupon at the Jews procurement there issued forth this Patent to the Mayor and Bayliffs of Oxford to keep the peace between the Sheriff and them and to have the Protection and Government of them till the next Parliament Rex Majori ad Ballivis suis Oxon. salutem Cum ad occasionem turbationis inter Vici nostrum Oxon. Judaeos nostros ejusdem Villae jam exortae sicut dicitur tollendam et ad pacem in Judaismo nostro ibidem quietius conservandam assignavimus vos ad Custod Judaeorum nostrorum ejusdem villae usque ad Parliament nostrum post instans fest Sancti Michaelis Vobis mandamus qnod sicut de vestra diligentia et fidelitate specialiter confidimus custodiae illi diligenter intendatis Ita quod Pax nostra in Iudaismo praedicto et in aliis quae statum ipsorum Judaeorum in eisdem partibus tangunt vestro mediante â—nvamime et Consilo bene et inviolabiter conservetur Mandavimus enim Vicecomiti nostro praedicto quod ad informationem status ipsorum Iudaeorum non praesumat aliquid attemptare nec de eisdem in aliquo interim se intromittat In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Windsore 31 die Julii King Edward the 1. in the 5 year of his reign appointed Commissioners to impose a Tax upon all the Commonalty of the Jews throughout England whose names and authority are thus expressed in a Commission granted to them for this end Rex dilectis et fidelibus suis Ioh. de Cobham et Phil. de Wileby et Wil. de Middl. salutem Sciatis quod dedimus vobis potestatem obligandi universos et singulos Judaeos regni nostri secundum quod vos vel duo vestrum videritis expedire Et ideo vobis mandamus quod vos omnes vel duo vestrum omnes predictos Judaeos tallietis secundum quod ad opus nostrum melius videritis expedire In cujus c. T. R. apud Windsore 30 die Maii. Hereupon all the Jews were summoned from all parts up to London to be taxed and thereupon all Inquisitions against them during their attendance there upon this occasion afterwards were suspended unless by special command of the King or his Justices for the Iews or these Commissioners and those to be made both by Christians and Iews as was anciently accustomed as this Writ doth evidence issued soon after Rex Vicecomiti Oxon. cum assignavimus quosdam fideles nostros London ad Tallagium super communitatem Judaeorum nostroruÌ„ Angliae assidend per quod oportet Iudaeos nostros Oxon ibidem interesse ad mandatuÌ„ fidelium nostroruÌ„ praedictorum Tibi praecipimus quod Inquisitiones aliquas super dictos Iudaeos dum ibidem fuerint vel postquam inde redierint non facias sine mandaeto nostro vel dictorum fidelium nostrorum seu etiam Iusticiariorum nostrorum ad Custod Iudaeorum assignat hoc per Christianos Iudaeos sicut temporibus aliorum Vicecom ibidem fieri consuevit T. Rege apud Beckell 22 die Iunii These incessant heavy annual Taxes arbitrarily assessed on the Jews without intermission by Aegyptian Taxmasters so impoverished many of them that they were unable to pay them and thereupon all their goods and debts were seized to satisfie them so far as they would reach leaving them only a bare subsistance the residue respited to be annually paid as this record informs us Rex Insticiariis suis ad Custod Iudaeorum assignatis salutem Quia ex testimonio fide dignorum accepimus quod Mosseus de Clare Iudaeus tam pro Tallagio nostro super ipsum assesso quam pro aliis debitis quae nobis solvit post adventum nostrum in Angliam non sufficit ad residua debita in quibus nobis adhuc tenetur tam de tempore Domini Regis Henrici patris nostri quam nostro nobis ad praesens solvend Vobis mandamus quod scrutatis rotulis de Iudaismo nostrâ— de debitis in quibus Nobis tenetur ad Scacc Judaismi nostri praedicti de debitis
Novombris As the King sold the Houses of these condemned Jews so he likewise took into his hands the Debts of the other Jews to satisfie their Debts due unto him for their Taxes which he levied to his own use and then allowed them for their arrears Rex Thesaurar Baronibus suis de Scaccario salutem Sciatis quod cum nuper capi fecerimus in manum nostram quoddam debitum quinquaginta marcarum in quo Robertus de Percy per Cartam suam in Archa Cyrographar apud Ebor existenti tenebatur Bonamy de Ebor Iudaeo Et quod levari precipimus ad opus nosâ—rum Concessimus eidem Iudeo quod si praedict debitum ad opus nostrum levatum fuerit vel in manum nostram captum sicut praedict est Idem Iudaeus pro dicto debito 50 marcarum in recompensationem habeat de 40 marcis in veteribus arreragiis tallagiis aliis debitis quae nobis debet ad Scaccarum praedictum Et ideo vobis mandamus quod si ita est tunc eidem Iudaeo in hujusmodi veteribus arreragiis tallagiis aliis debitis quae nobis debet ad idem Scaccarium allocationem de praedicâ—is 40 marcis habere faciatis in recompensatione praedicti debiti 50 maâ—carum sicut praedictum est T. R. aâ—ud VVestm 13 die Novemb. By which the King got x. marks clear from this Jew over and above his pretended debt and arrear for which this debt was seized and levied King Edward in the 8. year of his reign at the supplication of the Friers predicanâ—s in England who desired to preach unto the obstinate Jews thereby to convert them to the Christian Faith and turn them from their antient errors blindness and unbelief procured this notable ensuing Writ and Patent to all his â—heriffs Bayliffs and other Leige people commanding them to induce the Jews in all places to resort unto and hear their preaching without blasphemy or disturbance at such times and places as these Friers Predicants should direct c. Rex Vicecomitibus et omnibus Ballivis fidelibus suis salutem Cum dâ—lecti nobis in Christo Fratres de Ordine Praedicatorum in Anglia Judaeis quorum montes vetustas erroris et perfidiae obnubulat et obcaecat praedicaâ—e proponunt verbum Dei quo facilius interveniente gratia Spiritus sancti ad fidei Catholicae converti valeant unitateÌ„ ob hoc dilectus nobis in Christo Prior Provincialis ejusdem Ordine nobis supplicaverit ut vobis demus in mandatis Quod omnes Iudaeos ubicunque locorum in Ballivis vestris conversantes efficaciter moneatis et inducatis quod in locis ubi vobis de Consilio Fratrnm ipsorum magis expedire videbitur ad audiendum verbum Dei conveniant et illus ad eisdem Fratribus absq tumultu contentione vel blasphemia audiant diligenter benigne Et si forte Altissimus velamen duritiae a cordibus eorum auferens aliquibus vel alicui ipsorum Iudaeorum gratiam dederit convertendi quod caeteri Iudaei eis super hoc non impediant nec per alios impediri procurent Nos praediâ—â—um Propositâ—m ipsorum â—ratrum attendentes pium et salubre et precibus predicti Prioris favorabiliter annuentes in hac parte vobis mandamus Quod omnes Iudaeos in Ballivis vestris conversantes ad praemissa facienda efficaciter moneatis et eos ad hoc modis quibus melius sciveritis inducatis prout unicuique vestrum inspiraverit Spiritus veritatis In cujus c. quamdiu Regi placuerat duratur Teste Rege apud Winton 2 die Jan. What good effects this zealous pious project of the Friers preachers and Patents of the King in pursuit thereof produced in converting any considerable number of the Jews to the Catholick faith I find not mentioned in Histories or Record but their universal banishment hence 8. years after principally for their infidelity sufficiently manifests that all the endeavours then used for their conversion by drawing them to these Preachers Sermons and the provisions made by the King for the Converts support hereafter specified were very successlesse Wherefore those Zealots and Enthusiasts who so earnestly plead and write for their readmission amongst us now upon the future probability of their Conversion by their powerfull preaching to and exemplary conversation amongst them are like to find no better successe than these preaching Friers then did and other eminenter Divines than themselves of late years and now do find in foraign parts where the Jews reside where they may do well now to try what good they can do by preaching and conversing with them abroad before they practise upon them at home as these Predicants Friers formerly did without any such successe as they expected King Edward the 1 to promote the Jews conversion and for their better maintenance corroboration when converted to Christianity did this very year by two several Patents grant That whereas all the estates and goos of the Jews converted to Christianity did of right and custome become forfeited to the Crown that from thencforth the Jews should injoy the moity of them for their own sustenance that the other moity of them should accrew to the house of the Converts for the better sustentation of the Converts there And further granted the moity of all the forfeited estates of the Jews that should any ways accrue unto him and all Deodands to be distributed in almes amongst the Converts and imployed towards the maintenance and repair of the Society and house of the Converts now the Rolls erected by his father as these two Patents of his this year most fully relate Rex Thesaurario et Baronibus suis de Scaccario salutem Quia ad augmentum fidei et cultus nominis christiani conversionem Judaicae pravitatis ad fidem Catholicam potissime credimus operari Nos ut illi qui jam a caecitate hujusmodi ad lucem Ecclesiae sunt conversi in ipsa fidei firmitate roborarentur et alii qui adhuc in errore illo persistunt libentius et promptius ad gratiam fidei de caetero convertant disposuimus auctore Domino de ipsorum sustentatione salubriter providere Licet igitur omnia bona et catalla Judaeorum quae convertuntur ad fidem ad nos plenarie de jure et consuetudine pertinent volentes tamen eis postquam filii et fideles Ecclesiae sunt effecti Dei intuitu gratiam facere specialem medietatem valoris omnium bonorum suorum ubicunque in regno nostro ad sustentationem suam concedimus de dono nostro aliam autem medietatem bonor hujusm bona etiam et Catal. Judaeor ex nunc quacunque occasione dampnandorum una cum bonis et catallis quorumcunque Judaeorum quae ex quacunque ratione Nobis forisfieri contigerit nec non et Elemosinam nostram quae Deodanda vocatur post tempus concessionis nostrae Fratribus predicatoribus de Elemosina illa
Capellae suae quam Dom. H. quondam Pater noster Rex Angliae fundavit ibidem perficiend et in subventionem reparationis et sustentationis edificiorum loci illius Vobis mandamus quod praedictam Elemosinam nostram de Itinere vestro in Com praedict et in caeteris Comitatibus in quibus itineraturi est is habere faciatis dilecto Clerico nostro Joh de Sancto Dionisio custodi Domus praedictae ad fabricam et sustentationem ad reparationem praedict inde faciend T. R. apud Westm 13 die Novembris Confimiles Literae diriguntur Justiciariis proximo Itineraturis in Com. Devon pro conversis praedictis T. ut supra King Edward in the 10th year of his reign safely to protect the persons and goods of the Jews in Hereford from the violence of the people there committed the protection of them to 24 of the chief Burgesses of Hereford as he did the Jews in other Towns throughout England and proclaimed that none should damnifie or molest them in their persons or goods under pain of losing his goods as this Patent manifests Rex dilectis sibi Waltero de la Barre Hugoni de Clere Reginaldo Comwood Thomae de Anesye and to 20 more particularly named in the Patent Burgensibus suis Hereford salutem Cum susceperimus in protectionem et defensionem nostram Judaeos nostros Hereford res omnes possessiones suas ad tuitionem majorem securitatem ipsorum vos assignavimus ad custodiam eorundem Vobis mandamus quod per totam villam praedictam publice proclamari firmiter inhiberi faciatis ex parte nostra Ne quis sub periculo omissionis bonorum suorum praedictis Judaeis in personis aut rebus suis inferat dampnum molestiam seu gravamen Et vos ipsi Judaeos illos res et possessiones suas infra villam praedictam et extra quantum in vobis est manuteneatis protegatis et defendatis In cujus c. quamdiu Regi placuerit durat Teste Rege apud Devises 10 die Aprilis It appears the Jews were then very odious and grievous to the English that they needed so many Gardians to protect their persons and estates from their plunder and violence Soon after this some Jews of Hereford being there imprisoned for Trespasses done to some English there the King sent this Writ to the Sheriff of the County to release them upon their putting in of Bail to answer it and to restore their goods if seased Rex Vic. Hereford salutem Quia Mosseus le Blund Iosseus filius Manasses Judaei Hereford Mosseus fil Jacobi Judaeus London manuceperunt habere apud Westm coram Justiciariis nostris ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis Aaron le Blund Mirabiliam uxorem ejus Fautinum filium praedicti Aaron Bonam uxorem ejus Cresseum filium Jacobi Floriam uxorem ejus a die sancti Iohis Baptistae in tres Septimanas ad standum recto super quibuâ—dam transgressionibus quas dicti Judaei fecisse dicuntur Ade de Peyntur Margeriae filiae ejusdem Ade si ipse vel eadem Margeria versus eos loqui voluerit tunc praedictos Aaron Mirabilem Fautinum Bonam et Cresscum Floriam et eorum familiam si ea occasione et non alia in prisona nostra detineantur dictis manucaptoribus interim tradas in Ballium â—t catalla praedict Judeorum si quae occasione praedicta ceperis in manum nostram eis interim restituas per manucaptionem praedictam de corporibus eorum Judaeorum seu de familia aut catallis eorundem occasione rransgressionis illorum te non intromittas donec aliud inde preciperimus habeas ibi hoc Breve T. Rege apud Salop 2 die Junii The Jews most likely to avoid the rage and plunders of the English Christians having left the wearing of their Tables on their upper garments formerly prescribed by sundry forecited Writs and Ordinances and the Statute de Iudaismo to distinguish them from Christians were now by this new Proclamation from the King sent to the Justices strictly enjoyned to wear them as well women as men and likewise prohibited to sell any flesh to Christians by any means or to retain any Christian man or woman in their houses or elsewhere in their service under great penalties Rex Justiciariis suis ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Cum nuper preciperimus publice proclamari fecerimus Quod omnes Judaei regni nostri Tabulas deferant in indumentis suis exterioribus ut a cultoribus Catholicae fidei evidentius decernentur Volentes hoc idem de Judeabus ejusdem regni generaliter firmiter observari Vobis mandamus quod tam in Civitate nostra Londen quam in aliis Civitatibus Burgis villis alibi infra Regnum praedictum ubi Judaei conversantur publice proclamari faciatis sub gravi forisfactura nostra Ut omnes singulae Judeae ejusdem Tabulas hujusmodi publice deferant in forma quae provisa est de Judeis praedictis Facias insuper inhiberi publice proclamari per totum regnum praedictum Ne aliquis Judaeus quascunque carnes quoquo modo presumat vendere Christianis Nâ—c Christianum secum in hospitio suo seu alibi in servicio suo audeat decaetero retinere Teste Rege apud Westm 1 die Decembris In the 11 year of King Edward the 1 Upon complaint of the Jews clipping and falsifying his coyn and other Merchants trading with them therein the King issued forth this following Commission to inquire thereof the hanging and punishing of so many of them but three or four years before for the like offences not reclaiming the Survivers of them from this their usual Jewish practise Rex dilecto fideli suo Hamoni Hauteyn et aliis salutem Quia ex relatu fide dignorum nostrorum intelleximus quod quidam Judaei nostri mercantur cum quibusdam Mercatoribus extraneis aliis in Platis de Retonsura Monetae nostrae fundatis etiam falsis platis de Stagno exterius deargentatis Vobis mandamus quod diligenter super hoc faciatis inquisitionem quotiescunque videritis expedire Et si vobis constare poterit ita esse tunc Mercatores illos alios quoscunque hujusmodi plaâ—as mercantes vel a Judaeis nostris emendas petentes arrestari salvo custodiri faciatis donec super hoc aliud duxererimus ordinandum Et Judaeos illos a quibus hujusmodi platas petierint emendas dummodo hujusmodi venditioni seu emptioni non fuerint consentientes per talem munucaptionem qualem videritis optimam ponatis in cujus c. Teste Rege apud Rothele 6 â—ie Febr. In the 12 year of King Edward the 1. I find these 4. several Writs and Records conceruing the Jews in one Schedule The first prohibiting them to live or reside in any City Burrough or Town where they had no common Chest and commanding their Justices to
Prior cognoscit quod praedicta pecunia praed Judaeo debebatur nec ei solvebatur Ante Exilium Iudaeorum et quicquid remansit eorum debitis catallis in Regno Post eorum Exilium Domino Regi fuit Consideratum est quod Dominus Rex recuperet pecuniam praedictam An unanswerable euidence of their judicial legal actual Banishment hence here twice together repeated in this Plea in Parliament but three years after their exile I have now traced the History of the English Jewes through the obscure untrodden generally unknown and almost forgotten path of our English Records yet remaining in the Tower of London and Exchequer from the very first year of King John where our yet extant Records begin to the 22. of King Edward the first full 4 years after their universal Banishment out of England which as it then put a period to any further memorial of them in our subsequent Records so it now sets a final conclusion to this my Chronological Collection of such Records as concern the generality of the English Jews and their affairs To which I shall only annex some few Records in succeeding times relating to some particular Jewish Converts since their general banishment hence and to the forementioned house of the Iewish Converts now the Rolls in Chancery Lane which are some wayes pertinent like so much gleanings after the Harvest to the Jewish History and so draw toward a conclusion of this my Undertaking There being a great want of Jewish Converts after the Jews banishment hence to receive the Alms Revenues formerly setled on their house by the premised charters of our Kings I find King Edw. the 3d in the 18th year of his reign by special Patents granted to other poor people who had nothing to live on both the benefit and easment of the Houses and Gardens of the House of the Converts together with a penny a day out of the Exchequer and so much besiedes as any one Convert there received out of the Rents and profits of the house Particularly he granted to one Alianor Quae non habet unde vivat quod habeat tantum in omnibus pro sustentatione sua tam de pecunia ad Sc accarium videlicet per diem 1 d. et pro â—isâ—amento Domorum Gardinarum sicutuna Conversorum habet et capit ac de Deodandis aliis proficuis quam de Redditibus Tenementis Conversorum Domus London et alibi infra Regnum Angliae commorant c. quantum una Conversa inde percepit After this a converted Jew John Castell by name coming over into England in the 30 year of King Edward the 3d. the King thereupon granted him such admittance into and sustenance in this house of Convertr as other Converts had in former time received by this ensuing writ of Privy Seal Rex dilecto Clerico suo Hen de Ingleby Custodi Domus nostrae Conversorum in civitate nostra London salutem Quia volumus quod Johannes de Chastell à ritu Judaeorum conversus qui in Regnum nostrum Angliae nuper venit habeat talem sustentationem in Domo nostra praedicta de Elemosina nostra qualem alii ejusdem conditionis in eadem ante hoc tempus habuerunt Vobis mandamus quod ipsum Johannem in domum nostram praedictam admittatis et ei sustentationem hujusmodi pro uno converso consuetum de eadem domo liberari habere facias T. Rege apud Westm primo die Iulii Per Breve de privato Sigillo This Henry de Ingelby afterwards resigning his Office of Keeper or Gardian of the House of Converts to the King thereupon King Edward the 3. in the 45 year oâ— his reign granted this Office to William de Burstall Clerk during his life by this following Patent Rex omnibus ad quos c. Sciatis quod dedimus concessimus dilecto Clerico nostro Will de Burstal custodiam domus nostrae conversorum London vacantem per resignationem Hen. de Ingleby ultimi Custodis domus praedictae et ad nostram Donationem spectantem habendum tenendum cum omnibus ad custodiam illam quoquo modo spectantibus ad totam vitam ipsius Willielm In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 22 die Julii Per ipsum Regem Et Mandatum est Vicecomit Loudon quod ipsum Will. in corporalem possessionem Domus praedictae inducant vel induci faciant habendum juxta tenorem Literarum Regis praedictarum Teste ut supra Per ipsum Regem This house with the Chappel and other Edifices being greatly ruined after the Jews banishment through the negligence of former Guardians William Burstal being made keeper thereof bestowed much money upon the repairing of it out of his own purse which done upon consideration thereof and to keep the same in constant Repair for the future upon the supplication of the said William then Keeper likewise of the Rolls of the Chancery he procured King Edward to annex the house and Chappel of the Converts to the Custos of the Rolls of the Chancery and his Successors for ever in the 51 year of King Edward the 3d. by this Patent Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Sciatis quod Nos considerantes qualiter Domus Conversorum in Suburbio Civitatis nostrae London de Patronatu nostro existens et Capella Edificia Clausura ejusdem tempore quo dilectus Clericus noster Willielmus de Burstall custodiam ejusdem Domus ex collatione nostra primo habuit per negligentiam et incuriam aliorum qui antedictum Willielmum custodiam Domus illius habuerunt et ibidem morari seu inhibitare non curarunt multipliciter debilitata quasi totaliter in ruina extiterunt Et quod praedict Willielmus tempore suo de bonis suis propriis grandes fecit custus et ex pensas super reparatione et emendatione Domus Capellae EdificioruÌ„ Clausurarum praedict At etiam super factura novarum Domorum ibidem Nos ut Domus Conversorum capella edificia clausurae et novae Domus supradicta compatenter sustententur custodiantur in futur ad supplicationem praedicti Will qui Custos Rotulorum Cancellariae nostrae existit in praesenti concessimus de gratia nostra speciali pro Nobis haeredibus nostris quod post mortem ejusdem Willielm dicta Domus Conversorum cum suis Juribus pertinentiis quibuscunque remaneat et moretur in perpetuum Clerico custodi Rotulorum Cancellariae nostrae et haeredum nostrorum pro tempore existenti Et sit annexa ad idem Officium imperpetuum Et quod Cancellarius Angliae vel Custos sive custodes Magni Sigilli nostri et haeredum nostrorum Angliae pro tempore existentes post mortem ipsius Will. habeat et habeant Potestatem ad quamlibet Vacationem dicti Officii custodis Rotulorum per mortem cessionem vel mutationem personae quocunque tempore futuro instituendi successive
Masters of their Law without the Kings special license 10. That the Iews usury was no ways countenanced nor approved but generally condemned and frequently released by our Kings long before the Statute de Judaismo which most infallibly appears to be made in 3 Ed. 1. not in 18. as Sir Edward Cook very grosly mistook And that the banishment of their Usury by it was not the cause of their voluntary banishment hence as he most fondly conceited 11. That the Presbyteratus Judeorum totius Angliae was not the High Priests spiritual function as Sir Edward Cook and others affirm but only a temporal office and Comptrolership in the Kings Exchequer of the Jews 12. That our Kings and Auncestors in times of Popery made and published sundry excellent Ordinances against the blasphemies abuses of the Jews and were very zealous industrious to convert them to Christianity and carefull to maintain support confirm and provide for them when converted in their Domus Conversorum That King Edward the first remitted his right to all the goods of convert Jews by an unchristian usage confiscated formerly to the Crowne by their very conversion allowing all Converts the moity of their estates to maintain them and granting the other moity of their Estates together with his Deodands and all forfeitures and Chevages of the Jews for the support of the Converts and their House Chappel Chaplains Yet very few of them were converted 13. That King Edward the 1 in the 18 year of his reign did by publike Edict of Parliam actually banish all the Jews out of England except the Converts by a set prefixed day beyond all contradiction much against the Jews good wills as I have undeniably proved by sundry Records forecited here and by multitudes of Historians in my first Demurrer against Sir Edw. Cooks grosse error A truth so clear that the very Jews themselves as I am informed by those best versed in their Manuscript Antiquities do make special mention of this their Banishment out of England in their Chronicles in Manasseh Ben-Israels custody taking their later computations of years from thence as a time very remarkable and ominous to their whole Nation And well might they do so seeing learned Mr. Edward Brerewood in his Enquiries touching the diversities of Languages and Religions throughout the chief parts of the world London 1614. c. 13. p. 92. assures us that The first Country of Christendom whence the Iews were expelled without hope of Return was our Country of England whence they were Banished Anno 1290. by King Edward the first By which example Not long after they were likewise banished France Anno 1307. by Philippus Pulcher Only of all the Countries of France in the Iurisdiction of Avignon the Popes State some are remaining Out of Spain An. 1492. by Ferdinand and shortly after out of Portugal Anno 1539. by Emanuel Out of the Kingdome of Naples and Sicilie Anno 1539. by Charls the V. as he there writes Out of which Sir Edward Cooke might have as well averred they only voluntarily banished themselves as that they voluntarily banished themselves out of England with ut any special Edict for their exile thence What other particulars of lester moment concerning the Jews occurre in these Records I have formerly touched in their respective places and shall here omit Having thus compleated my JUDAISMUS ANGLICANUS REDIVIVUS if I may so stile it or Chronological Collections of the Historical and Legal affairs of the English Jews out of the rich unknown Magazine of our generally neglected slighted precious old Records which Hugh Peters the great New-modeller Reformer of our former Lawes Liberties Government Kingdom Republike Church Religion Justice Law Merchandise Navy the Poor and what not but himself out of his rash fiery Zeal and transcendent ignorance would now make all new Martyrs but yet be none himself For which end in his Good Work for a good Magistrate London 1651. after his proposal of A short Model for the Law p. 28. c. he concludes with this advice as a Good Work fit for his good Magistrate p. 33. This being done It is very advisable to burn all the old Records yea even those in the Tower the Monuments of Tyranny that so his New Whimsies only might be known and adored for our English Lawes and Monuments in all succeeding ages I shall therefore crave Liberty to inform the World and this Ignoramus of the incomparable Excellency Utility Necessity of preserving these Records which he hath so brutishly devoted to the fire before he either knew their contents or worth which our Ancestors even in all former Wars Revolutions as well as times of peace and settlement preserved with much care and cost as the richest Pearls Treasures and Jewels of the Nation To which I answer 1. That all our wisest Kings Parliaments Ancestors Statesmen in former ages had ever a special care to record all businesses of publike or private ocncernment and to preserve our ancient Records as the choicest Treasures appointing special Treasuries places to preserve them in and Custodes Râ—tulorum Treasurers Chamberlains Registers Clerks to keep them safe from injury corrupting and embezelling and enacting many Statutes for this purpose witnesse not only the Chests Cyrographers Officers and others forementioned for keeping the Records and Charters of the Jews and their Rolls but also 13 E. 1. c. 25. 30. 1 E. 3. c. 4. 5 E. 3. c. 12. 9 E. 3. c. 5. 6 R 2. c. 4. 13 H. 4. c. 7. 2 H. 5. c. 8. 4 H. 6. c. 3. 8 H. 6. c. 12. 15. 10 H. 6. c. 4. 18 H. 6. c. 1. 9. 27 H. 8. c. 16. 32 H. 8. c. 28. 34 H. 8. c. 22. 28. 37 H. 8. c. 1. 2 E. 6. c. 10. 3 4 E. 6. c. 1. 1 2 Phil. Mar. c. 2. 23 Eliz. c. 3. 27 Eliz. c. 9. 31 Eliz. c. 3. 1 Jac. c. 6. with other Acts And must they now after all these Statutes be all made a burnt-ofâ—ring unto Vulcan upon the crack-brain'd Motion of an Ignatian Incendiary 2. The Statute of 8 H. 6. c. 12. still in force Ordains That if any Record or parcel of the same writ retorn panel proces or warrant of Attorney in the Kings Courts of Chancery Eschequer the one Bench or other or in his Treasury be willingly stolen taken away withdrawn or avoided by any Clerk or other Person by cause whereof any Judgement be reversed thâ— such stealer taker away withdrawer and avoider their Procurers Counsellors and Abettors being thereof indicted and by process theâ—eupon made thereof duly convict by their own confession or by enquest to be taken by legal men whereof the one half shall be of the men of some Court of the same Courts and the other half of other shall be judged for Felons and shall incurre the pain of Felons And that the Iudges of the said Courts of the one Bench and of the other have power to hear and determine such
Assise of moneys in the 6 year of King Iohn Assisum est de Moneta quod vetus moneta currat unde quelibet libra sit lacta ii s. vi d. ad plus libra quae plus lactaverit denarii qui plus lactaverint perforentur reddantur sicut alias provisum fuit Iudaei vero aurifabri mercatores forinici emant moneta ista victum et vestitum suum tantum sed non debent prestitum vel Merchandizas facere nisi de grossa et forti moneta quae sit de lege pondere denariorum sterlingorum Et ad cognoscendum denar de praedicto lacco exeat a monetaria nostra I. Pempeis liberetur cui voluerit habere habendum usque ad Pentecosten Anno regni nostri 7. de lacco octavae partis denarii Item denarius qui de caetero fuerit scilicet post Natale Anno Regni nostri 6. inventus intonsus in alicujus manu perstietur et ille cujus manu captus fuerit capiatur ut lat Item prohibitum est quod nullus vetus denarius reblangietur et qui eum reblangiaverit sit in misericordia nostra de toto catallo suo et amittat quod reblangiavit Item denarius debet omnis fabricari ita quod sit de equa lege pondere habens circulum exteriorem et quod nil sit extra illum circulum ubi aliter inventus fuerit fabricator et custos ejus sint in misericordia nostra de toto catallo suo Item si quis cambiaverit Denar vel argentum alibi quam ad Cambium nostrum salvo Cambio Domini Cantuariensis Archi Episcopi apud Cant. tam cambiens quam recipiens cum eo quod cambiaverint capiantur Et assisum est quod nullus capiat ad Cambium pro libra de fine et argento plus vel minus quam Denar de lege et quod nullus denarius exeat de Cambio nostro vel Dom Cantuar. nisi sit legalis de Victualorum Itē inquiratur per liberos et legales homines in Civitatibus Burgis Villis quis Christianus vel Judaeus denarretondit et qui inventus fuerit retonsor Christianus vel Judaeus capiantur omnia catalla sua et corpus suum mittatur in prisonam nostram et sit in potestate nostra de Justitia facienda Item si denarii qui non sint rationabiles de lege pondere inventi fuerint in manu Judaei aurifabri vel Mercatoris forinseci vel servientium eorum pro merchandisa vel prestito faciendo assisum est quod illi in quorum manu fuerint inventi nisi tantum ad victum vestitum suum emendo ut praedictum est capiantur T. me-ipso apud Winton 26. die Jan. The same year King Iohn granted this ensuing safe-conduct to one Hamechun a Jew to come and reside in England like other Jews Rex c. Iusticiariis c. Sciatis quod dedimus Hamichuno Judaeo nostro firmam pacem nostram ita quod concessit salvò venire et ibi stare sicut alii Iudai nostri in terram nostram pro bono servicio suo quod nobis fecit in Castro Audel cum dilecto fideli nostro R. Constab Cestriae Et ideo vobis mandamus et firmiter praecipimus quod firmam pacem nostram sicut praedictum est habeat Teste me-ipso apud Westm 2 die Novembr The Jews by Capitula de Iudaeis enacted and published by Rich. the 1 recited at large in my former Demurrer were obliged to register all their Contracts Morgages Obligations Debts and to put them into a common Chest with 3 Locks and Keyes kept by certain Christians and Jewes specially designed for that purpose as you may there read at last This Chest was called Arca Cyrographica or Cyrographorum Iudaeorum and the Notaries or Registers of them stiled Cyrographi Christiani et Iudaei Arcae Cyrographicae London Oxon or other such City where such Chests were kept All their Deeds Obligations and Releases were usually called Stars and Starra Starrum Starr in our Latin Records from the Hebrew word SHETAR contracted by the omission of he which signifieth a Deed or Contract These Stars were written for the most part in Hebrew alone or else in Hebrew on the one side or top of the parchment and in Latin on the other side or bottom of the Deed after the Hebrew Some of these Stars were sately extant amongst the evidences and writings belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster writ in very fair Hebrew Characters and one of them I have lately seen in the Treasury of the Exchequer written in Hebrew without pricks In King Iohns Reign at the Top the substance whereof is thus expressed in Latin just under it lik an English Condition under a Latin Obligation Istud Star fecit Hagius filius Magri de London Domino Ade de Strattona de acquietantia de Stanmore de omnibus debitis in quibus Dominus S de Cheyndut ei tenebatur Ita quod idem Iudaeus nec haeredes sui nihil exigere possunt de praedicto Ade nec de haeredibus suis ratione terrae de Stanmore de praedictis debitis If any Christian indebted and obliged to any Jew by any Star or writing put up reserved in this Chest payed not the same at the day appointed tother with all the interest where any interest was reserved then he sued forth Letters by way of Proces against him both for the Debt and interest under the Notaries or Registers hand to appear before the Iustices specially appointed for the government and custody of the Jews to recover the same paying to the King for a fine for such Letters and Licence to sue unum basantum or besantum as it is variously written for every pound of money he sued for as appears by sundry instances in the fine Rolls both of King Iohn Henry the 3. and Edward the 1. of which we have these 3 instances together in the fines of the 6 year of King Iohns reign Isaac filius Joie habet literas super Martinum Martel de xxv marcis cum lucro per Cirografum Elias de Burgi Judaeus habet literas super eundem Martinum Martel de xx libris cum lucro per Cirografum Manasserus Grassus habet literas super eundem Martinum Martell de xxiiii marcis cum lucro per Cirografum Dominus Rex DEBET HABERE DE QUALIBET LIBRA UNUM BASANTUM And in the same Roll of this year there is one more such president Mosse Judaeus fil Leonis habet literas super VValterum fil Radi de Huncetanosiot de xlviii marc cum lucro per Cirografum Capiatur de qualib libra 1 Besantum ad opus Domini Regis In the Treasury of Receipts in the Exchequer in the xth year of King Iohn there is this Record touching the manner of proving the validity of the Jews Charters if denied or alleaged to be counterfeit by the testimony of
similiter tenementum suum in perpetuum videlicet illud quod tam temere contra praeceptum nostrum obligaverit amittat Teste Rege apud Certes 1 die Sept. The same year Mandatum est Vic. Buck. quod non permittat quod aliquis Judaeus de caetero maneat in villa de VVeycumbe sed Iudaeos qui ibidem sunt manentes sine dilatione amoveri fac et maneant in aliis villis in quibus prius manere consueverant T. R. apud Herwic 28 die Novemb. This year I find this notable proclamation Mandatum est Vicecomiti Norf. et Suff. quod in Civitate de Norwic. et singulis bonis villis Com. suorum clamari faciat quod nulla faemina Christiana de caetero serviat Iudaeis ad alendos puerulos suos vel in aliquo alio officio Teste R. apud VVestm 20 die Ian. per ipsum regem Vrsilla filia Hamonis de Hereford Judaei pays a fine of 5000 marks pro habendis terris domibus et omnibus debitis et caâ—allis quae fuerunt praedict Hamonis to be paid at certain days Such Fines of Iews to enjoy their fathers houses and chattels are frequent in the Fine Rolls Isaac a Jew was this year fined 100l de pluribus transgressionibus de quibus convictus fuit coram Justic Dom. Reg. ad custod Iudaeorum assignatis In this year also the King discharged Aaron a Jew of York from all Tallages whatsoever during his life paying annually into his Exchequer one hundred marks yearly at two terms for his exemption Rex omnibus ad quos presentes litterae perveniunt salutem Sciatis quod concessimus Aaron de Ebor. Judaeo quod ipse toto tempore vitae suae quietus sit de Taâ—lagio reddendo per annum ad Scac nostrum Cent. marc ad duos terminos scil 50 mar ad fest Pasch et 50 marc ad festum Sancti Michis Ita quod de debitis quae nobis debuit de quibus finem fecit nobiscum reddend per annum ad Scac. nostrum cent solidos quietus erit per praedict 100 mar an In cujus c. T. R. apud Suthan 13 die Feb. Et mandatum est Iusticiariis ad custodiam Iudeorum per literas clausas quod ita fieri et irrotulari faciant VVhich exemption is frequently mentioned and ratified afterwards and yet availed him very little as I have elsewhere manifested out of Mat. Paris Aaron de York to pay 100 marks per an to the Kings Exchequer to be free from taxes during all his life In 20 H. 3. I find this pardon of Usury due to a Jew by the King Rex pardonavit Roberto de Peâ—tiling totam usuram debitorum quibus tenetur Isaac Judaeo Nottingh et Benedicto Judaeo Warwic salva praedictis Judaeis â—orte predict debitorum Et mandatum est Justiciariis ad custod Judaeorum assignatis quod de usura praedicta ipsum Robertum quietum esse et ad sortem eorundem debitorum praedict Judaeis redendam eidem Roberto rationabiles terminos habere faciant T. Rege apud Winton 10 die Iunii This year the Inhabitants of Suthampton being weary of the Jews company who intruded themselves into the Town procured this grant from the King to be quit of them unlesse by special command for the future Rex concessit Burgensibus suis Suthampton quod nullus Iudaeus de caetero maneat apud Suthampton sine speciali praecepto Regis Et mandat est Iusticiariis ad custod Iudaeorum assignatis quod illinc nullum Iudaeum mittant ad manendum ibi nec aliquem ibi remanere permittant sine speciali praecepto Regis T. Rege apud Winton 21 die Iunii I conceive all corporations in England will be as unwilling to entertain any Iews now to dwell amongst them as the Inhabitants of Suthampton and those of Newcastle and Wickham forementioned were to receive them in that age In this year I find one Iew extending the lands of another Iew for a debt by this VVrit to their Iustices for that end Mandatum est Iustic ad custod Iudaeorum assignatis quod per Sacramentnm proborum et legalium hominum extendi faciant Domos et terras Aaronis Benedicti Suthampton in Suthampt. et in la Hull videlicet quantum valeant per annum in dominicis redditibâ—s serviciis villenag et omnibus aliis exitibus et fac extendi praedict eidem Aaroni rationabilem finem et rationabiles terminos habere fac ad debita in quibus tenetur David Iudaeo Oxon. et Deuleben fil Ursel Iudaeo Winton secundum valorem praedictar domorum et terrarum eâ— quantitatem praedictorum debitorâ—◠〈◊〉 quod iâ—tâ—rim cessent usurae which here one Jew took of another T. R. apud Winton 11 die Jun. Hen. the 3 in the 21 year of his reign granted the Presbytery of all the Jews of England which I conceive to be rather the Custos Rotulorum or Controlers place in the Kings Exchequer of the Jews than the Priestly function as this Record attests Mandatum â—st Iusticiaâ— iis ad custodiam Iudaeorum assignatis Quod Rex concessit Aaron Iudaeo Ebor. Presbyteratum omnium Iudaeorum Angliae cum omnibus pertinentiis suis tenendum tota vita sua Et quotiens Aaron intendere non possit ad sedend ad Scaccarium Regis ad officium illud therefore certainly it was a temporal office in the Kings Exchequer not an Ecclesiastical Priesthood in the Jewish Synagogues Ioceu fil Copin loco suo recipiat ad ea facienda ad Scaccarium regis quae ad officium illud pertinent therefore a temporal office only to be executed in the Exchequer and that by Deputy as well as in proper person which the Jewish High Priesthood could not be Rotulos etiam qui fuerunt Jocâ—i Presbyteri praedecessoris sui â—his Office therefore was to keep the Rolls as Comptroler eidem Aaron vel praedicto attornato suo habere faciant T. Rege apud Clarendon 29 die September Which record together with that of Claus 27 H. 3. â—ars 2. m. 3. hereafter cited doth most fully convince me upon second thoughts that the Presbyteratus omnium Iudâ—orum totius Angliae granted by King Iohn's Charter forementioned in the 1 year of his reign to Iacob the London Jew was not an ecclesiastical high Priesthood Episâ—opacy or Priestly Aaronical Function but exercised over all the English Jews in their Synagogues as Sir Edward Coook Mâ— Selden Mr. Purâ—has Dr. Fuller and others generally assert as a thing beyond disspute whose venerable Authorities at first induced me to that opinion but a meer secular Office in the Kings Exchequer of the Jews to keep the Rolls of Comptroll which this Aaron had now granted to him in the self-same words as are used in King Iohns Charter and his Predecestors before and successors after him enjoyned by like Charters from the K. A thing now clear to me upon consideration that the Jewish
quod si aliquis Iudeus aggravetur de dicto Tallagio quod gravamen suum alteri imponatur qui melius ferre possit Et super hoc scribitur Thes et Baron de Scac et Iustic ad custod Iud assign T. R. apud Portsm 7. die July per Hen. de Wengham Hereupon some Iews complaining they were over-taxed in their tallages procured this writ for their ease herein Monstravit Regi Manuel Blundus Judeus London quod ipse superoneratus est in uItimo Tallvgio suo et solvit plus ad demidium quam solvisse debuit et quam alii solverint secundum facultates suas Et mandatum est Philippo Luvel et Justiciariis ad custod Jud. assign quod si ita est tunc super onerationem illam in praesentia ipsius Judei assidi faciant super alleviatos Judeos regni nostri in Tallagio predicto et pro eadem superoneratione reddenda districtonem fieri et praedict Man returnari fac sine dilatione Ita quod inde querelam rex non audiat pro defectu Justiciae Consimiles Literae habet Solomon Epis Judeus London The same year Rex concessit Hake fil Ioscey Iudeo quod habeat pacem regis et salvum ire redire licet se substraxerit pro quibusdam plateis argenteis ei impignoratis ut dicitur Ita quod plegios regi inveniat quod stabit recto secundum legem Judaismi Et super hoc scribitur Iustic ad custod Jud. assignatis T. R. apud Harwic 2 die Iuly Also Rex per finem quem Mossi de Hereford Judaeus fecit cum rege pardonavit ei transgressionem quam fecit pro eo quod illicentiatus a rege recessit in fine Scac. regis Sanct. Hillarii pro qua transgressione ipsum capi jusserint Justic ad custod Judeorum assignati Et mandatum est eisdem Iustic quod ipsum propter hoc non occasionari nec capi faciant T. R. apud Harling 7 die April Febr. 15. The King writes to the Iustices of the Iews to allow a Debt to two several Christians and Iews which he had pardoned the Debtors to these Iews in their Taxes they were to pay This year a Iews wife proving a convert Christian her husband was attached for her goods by the King as belonging to him upon her conversion who thereupon paid a fine to have this New case judicially determined in the Jews Eschequer as this record attests Cum Abraham Batekot Iudeus attachiatus esset ad respondend regi de catallis Amiciae Judeae quae fuit uxor sua quae quidem catalla post conversionem suam ad regem pertinebant ut dicitur Idem Iudeus finem fecit cum rege pro dimid marc auri quam regi solvit ut secundum legem et consuetudinem Iudaismi ad Scaccarium Iudaeorum super hoc deducatur Et mandatum est Iustic ad custod Iud. assignatis quod citra festum S. And ad Scaccarium Iudeorum quod justum fuerit â—e catallis praedictis fieri â—aciant sicut praedict est T. per R. de Essington King Henry in this 37 year of his reign provided and ordained these memorable Laws and ordinances for the better regulation of the Jews in England restraining their Jewish rites erection of new Synagogues or Schools defection from or disputing against the Christian faith entertaining any Christians as Nurses servants and communion with Christians to prevent their leavening of Christians with their Iudaisme distinguishing them from them by wearing a white Table on their breasts in joyning paying of tithes to the Christian Minister where they lived c. Rex providit et statuit c. Quod nullus Judeus maneat in Anglia nisi servicium Regis faciat Et quam cito aliquis Iudeus natus fuerit sive sit Masculus sive faemina serviat Nobis in aliquo Et quod nullae Scholae Iudaeorum sint in Anglia nisi in locis illis in quibus hujusmodi scholae fuerunt tempore Domini Iohannis regis patris regis Et quod universi Judei in Synagogis suis celebrent submissa voce secundum ritum eorum Ita quod Christiani hoc non audiant Et quod quilibet Judeus respondeat Rectori Ecclesiae in cujus parochia maneat de omnibus parochialibus ad domum ipsius Iudei spectantibus Et quod nulla Nutrix Christiana de cetero lactet aur nutriat puerum alicujus Iudei nec aliquis Christianus vel Christiana serviat alicui Iudeo vel Iudeae nec cum ipsis comedat vel in domo sua commoretur Et quod nullus Iudeus vel Iudea comedat aut emat carnes in Quadragessima Et quod nullus Judeus detrahat fidei Christianae vel publice disputet de eadem Et quod nullus Iudeus habeat secretam familiaritatem cum aliqua Christiana nec aliquis Christianus cum Iudea Et quod quiliber Iudeus ferat manifestam Tabulam Et quod nullus Judeus ingrediatur aliquam Ecclesiam vel aliquam Capellam nisi transeundo nec in eis moretur in vituperium Christi Et quod nullus Judeus impediat aliquo modo alium Judeum volentem ad fidem Christi convertere Et quod nullus Judeus receptetur in aliqua villa sine speciali licentia regis nisi in villis illis in quibus Judei manere consueverunt Et mandatum est Justiciariis ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis quod sic fieri et sub incursione bonorum praedictorum Iudeorum firmiter teneri faciant Teste Rege apud Westm 31 die Ianuarii Per REGEM Et CONSILIUM These are the most memorable Constitutions of all others I have met with made by the King and his Counsel for restraining the insolencies rites and preventing the Leprosie and leaven of the Iews except those of 7 E. 1. which I shall recite in due place derived from these which none of our Historians mention In the 39 year of H. 3. I find this large record touching the assessing of a Tallage upon the Commonalty of the Jews in London and other places assessed levyed with all diligence and all sorts of new devises Rex Constab Turris suae London salutem Precipimus tibi quod statim visis literis istis starim in presentia tua eligi fac tres de legalioribus et discretioribus Iudeis de communitate Iudeorum London de assensu Iudeorum eorundem ad assidend super eandem communitatem 472 marc quae ipsam commun contingunt de Tallio mille libr. super Iudeos nostros Angliae assesso de termino sancti Martini prox futuri et assidend super eandem communitatem 50 marc quae ipsam contingunt de portione Tallag Aaron de Ebor. Iudeo de Tall. predict cui concessimus ad instantiam dilecti fratris et fidelis nostri Rici Com. Cornub. quod hac vice propter nimiam suam paupertatem de praedicto Tallagio sit quietus Et distringas omnes Iudeos et Iudeas de
Because they make much for the Honor and Antiquity of the University of Oxford my Nursing Mother and Step-Mother to though superiours unjust commands This year the King for the fine of 1000 pound per annum paid to him by the Commonalty of the Iews granted them this exemption from Taxes for 3 years Rex Thes et Baron suis de Scac. et Justic suis ad custod Iudeorum assign salutem Sciatis quod per finem mille librarum quam Communitas Judeorum nostrorum Angliae nobiscum fecit concessimus eisdem Judeis quod a tempore confectionis praesentium per triennium sequens respectum habeant de Tallagio super ipsos assidendo nisi nos aut filii nostri juxta votum nostrum interim proficiscuntur ad terram Sanctam ad quod necesse habeamus super communitatem predict Tallagium assidendi Ita quod de fine predict reddant Nobis die Martis prox post octabis Sanctae Trin. 500 marcas et in festo Nativ prox 500 marc in festo Sancti Michaelis prox sequenti residuas 500 marc Et ideo vobis mandamus quod concessionem predict in forma predict coram vobis irrotulari et pecuniam predict ad terminos illos de Communitate predicta ad opus nostrum levari fac Et quia pauperes Judei commun predict ratione finis praedicti ultra quam facultates suae suppetant nimis exonerari possint nisi finis ille circumspecte et fideliter super eos assideatur vobis mandamus quod divitibus Iudeis nostris in contributione facienda ad finem predict non parcatur et quod panperes Iudei ultra facultates suas non graventur T. R. apud Winds 26 die Maii. Yet notwithstanding at the same time he granted this writ to search their Chests and Charters Rex dilectis et fideli suis Iohan. de Westm et VValtero de Croce assignatis ad Archas Iudeorum Angl scrutandas salutem Sciatis c. relating the agreement and fine aforesaid Et ideo vobis mandamus quod omnia debita in Cartis et aliis munimentis infra Archas predict contenta irrotulari faciatis prout vobis injunximus viva voce Et cum praemissa feceritis Coffrariis Archarum predict Archas illas liberetis cariandas et reponendas locis quibus prius repositae extiterunt Ita quod tam Christiani quam Iudei Archarum illarum administrationem habeant sicut alias habere consueverunt T. R. ut supra This year the King called the Iustices of the Jews to give an account of the profits of his Judaism as this record informs us Rex Thes et Baron suis de Scac. salutem Mandamus vobis quod ad certum diem quam duxeritis assignand audiatis compotum Iustic nostr ad custod Iudeorum assignat de exitibus ejusdem Iudaismi à tempore quo dictis Iustic cust ejusdem Iudaismi commissimus custodiend usque ad festum Sancti Martini an reg n. 53. Et cum compotum predict vobis reddiderint sicut predict est nobis significatis qualiter nobis responderint et in quibus finibus stetit compotus eorundem Mandavimus enim eisdem Iustic quod ad diem quem eis sciri fac coram vobis accedant cum Rotulis Talliis et aliis compotum suum contingentibus ad compotum suum predict reddendum in forma praedict T. R. apud West 8 die Nov. Per Regem et totum Consilium Et mandatum est prefatis Iusticiariis quod coram prefat Iusticiariis accedant in forma predicta Per Regem et totuÌ„ Concilium This year the Jews without license stragling abroad and setling themselves in divers places where they had no chest nor former residence whereby they did many mischiefs and seduced and dishinherited many thereupon the King issued this writ to reduce them and rectifie these abuses Rex Vic. Oxon et Berks salutem Quia pro certo intelleximus quod per Judeos in diversis regni nostri partibus extra Civitates Burgos et Villas ubi nulla est Communitas Iudeorum nec Cyrograph Archa sparsim habitantes in contumeliam redemptionis nostri et periculum animarum necnon et multorum exhaeredationem malificia plurima committuntur Nos hujusmodi periculis ne ulterius invalescerent volentes salubriter providere tibi praecipimus firmiter injungentes quod per omnes Civitates Burgos Villas in Balliva tua ubi expediens fuerit ex parte nostra publice proclamari firmiter inhiberi facias Ne quis Judeus vel Judea per se alibi quam in Civitatibus Burgis Villis ubi sit communitas Iudeorum vel Cyrograph Archa super gravem forisfacturam nostram de cetero presumat habitare Et hoc sicut te et tua diligis non omittas T. R. apud Winds 23 die Aprilis One of the principal things of Note concerning the Iews this year is the Ordinance concerning the Iews made by the King by the advice and counsel of Prince Edward his Sonne and other honest men for the relief of the christians touching the grievances they sustained in their Debts and Fees morgaged to the Jews and against the Iews assigning of their debts to others without the Kings special License first obtained Which I find enrolled in French in a very fair hand in the Dorse of the Clause and Patent Rolls of 53 H. 3. and in the Red Booke of the Exchequer in the Remembrancers Office fol. 242. with this Title there prefixed to it Provisiones de Iudaismo liberatae ad Scaccarium per Dominum Walterum de Merton A la feste de Seint Hillayre del an du regne le Roy Henry fiz le Roy Iohan. cinquante tierz purvieu est per memes le Roy et per le conseil Sire Edward son fiz eyne et de ses autres prodes hommes a lamendement de la Tere Et Reliever les Crestiens des Grevances que il ont eu par la Iuerye de Angletere â—e totes les Dettes a Gyvues que sont â—oez et qe aparmenes sunt as meines de Gyvus et ne sont done a Crestien ne vendu issint qe avaunt ceo Jur. seent confirme par le Roy vel arroule al Eschekker soent quites a Crestiens qe les deyvent et a lour Eyres a tuz Jurs. Ensement les arrerages et les chartres par la ou eles serrunt trouees des avant dites dettes de foez seent renduz a Crestiens de ke les dettes sont dues ou a lour eyres Et si par aventure acune Chatre fust mise en huche ou troue des ore mes nul lu ne tyene Et qe nul Gyvu de ceo jur en avant tel manere de dette de foe ne ne preigne ne ne face Et ensement qe nul Gyvu ceo Feo a Crestien ne venda de cest jur en avant sur forfeiture de vie et de chatel
in brief and some he cites at large too that those Judges Lawyers and young Students who rely upon him and his Quotations as infallible Oracles and deem it a disparagement once to question them will but deceive both themselves and others as I have undeniably manifested in his grosse mistakes concerning the Statute de Iudaismo and Jews banishment out of England in my former Demurrer and in his mistake in this very Roll. Wherefore I shall advise them all still to try his Records and Quotations before they trust them and to practise that Rule himself so frequently urgeth but yet overmuch forgot Tutius est petere fontes quam sectari rivulos having never met with so many grosse Misquotations and mistakes of Records in any Mans writings as I have found in his though otherwise a Man of rare abilities in points of Law but no such Antiquary Record-man or Historian as the world esteem him Which I no ways publish to disparage his honourable Memory or usefull Publications but to caution all of his Profession for whose benefit and information I have published these Records to take heed they be not â—educed by his venerable authority to imbrace or relyupon his frequent mistakes misquotations of Records and Antiquities for undoubted verities But to return from this necessary digression to my former Text. In these Patents Rolls of 3 E. 1. I find frequent mention of the forcited Ordinance of 23 H. 3. recorded in the red Book of the Exchequer prohibiting any Jews to grant or assign their debts of Christians to any Christians without the Kings special license first obtained c. together with sundry special licenses granted by the King to assign and grant their debts to Christians and ro them to receive such assignments of them Take these few presidents of this kind instead of many other Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Cum tempore Domini Henrici Regis Patris nostri provisum esset Quod nullus Iudâ—eus debitum aliquod quod sibi a Christiano debebatur vendere posset alicui nisi prius super hoc ab eodem Patre nostro obtentis gratia licentia Et si quis debitum hujusmodi ex licentia sua ab aliquo Judaeo emeret non plus haberet in eodem quâm ipse Pater noster vel nos haberemus si debitum illud esset in manu nostra vel in manu ejusdem Patris nostri vidâ—licet 〈◊〉 contentam in Carta super hoc confecta sine Vsura Nos Mosseo filio Jac. de Oxon. Josceo filio Benedicâ—i Jacobo Sablyn de Eboraco Iudaeis gratiam facere volentes specialem dedimus eisdem licentiam vendendi dilecto Clerico nostro Thomae de Gunes quoddam debitum quadraginta septem Librarum in quo Thomas de Tausterne de Eyton et Walterus de Rodistan eisdem Mosseo Josceo et Jacobo tenentur per Cartas suas Dedimus etiam Licentiam eidem Thomae emendi debitum illud a Judaeis in forma Provisionis supra-dictae In Cujus c. Teste Rege apud Thame 24 die Julii The like licences were granted the same year in these Ifsame form to Isaac de Prouyns a Jew of Lincoln and to Aaron de la Rye a Jew of London to sell their respective debts specified in the Licences to R. Bishop of Bath and VVells and to him to buy them reciting the foresaid Ordinance of Henry the 3. And in the Patent Rolls of 4 E. 1. m. 12. and 22. And in diverse other Patent Rols afterwards in this Kings reign I find sundry Licences to other Jews to sell their debts therein specified and to Christians to buy them all running in the very same form and reciting the foresaid Ordinance in the self-same Words which proved very gainfull to the King and his Officers who would not grant such Licenses gratis As the Jews could not assign nor dispose of their own debts to others without the Kings special License and grace so the King on the other side could dispose of respite and release their debts inquire of and search after them at his pleasure and grant them to his own Queen or others as these Records in 3 E. 1. inform us Rex Justiciariis suis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Cum nuper concessimus carissimae Consorti nostrae Alienorae Reginae Angliae omnia debita in quibus Norman de Arsy tenebatur quibuscunque Judaeis Regni nostri vobis mandaverimus quod dicta debita secundum legem consuetudinem Iudaismi nostri levari praefatae Consorti nostrae habere faceretis ac eadem Consors nostra debita de quibus dictus Normannus tenebatur Aaroni de la Rye et Mossaeo de Clare nondum habuerit ut accepimus Vobis mandamus quod Cartas praedictas ab Archa Cirograph extrahi et cum irrotulatae fuerint reponi et debita illa secundum Legem et consuetudinem Judaismi praedicti levari et praefate Consorti nostrae habere et sic fieri et irroâ—ulari faciatis Itaquod praefaâ—â— Consors nostra eisdem Cartis commodum suum facere possit prout magis viderit expedire Teste Rege apud Westm 4 die Julii Mandantum est Justiciariis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis quod Scrutatis Rotulis de Scaccario Judaismi nostri Regi sub Sigillo suo ejusdem Scaccarii sine dilatione constare faciant quibus quot debitis Willielmus de Appledresfeld tenetur in Judaismo Regis vel Judaeis suis quibuscunque per Cartas suas vel alio modo Et hoc Breve remittant T. R. apud Bellum locum Regis 24 die Ianuar. Praeceptum est Vicecom Suthampt. quod demandam quam de dicto VVillo de Appledresfeld fac per summonitionem Scaccarii Regis de Judaismo pro debitis quibuscunque Regis vel aliquibus Judaeis Regis solvend ponat in respectum usque in tres Septimanas post Festum Purificationis beatae Mariae prox furtur Teste ut supra Rex Justiciariis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Volentes dilecto fideli nostro VV. de Appledres gratiam facere specialem Vobis mandamus quod demandam quam ei facitis per breve nostr Scaccarii nostri de Judaismo pro debitis quibuscunque nobis vel aliquibus Judaeis nostris solvendis ponatis in respectum usque in tres septimanas post festum Purif Beatae Mariae prox furtur Ita quod ex tunc de debitis illis respondeat prout de jure secundum legem Judaismi nostri fuerit faciend T. R. apud Bellum Locum Regis 25 die Ian. These Writs fully manifest the manner of proceedings and respects in cases of Debts and Obligations before the Justices appointed for the Custody of the Jews in the Kings Exchequer for the Jews In this 3 year of King Edward the 1. were the Statutes de Iudaismo made and enacted in Parliament by the King and Nobles as I have elsewhere
Inquisitionem upon the trial quod praedicta Alicia quieta est de praedicto debito per praedictam STARR quod est factum ipsius Gente de debito tempore factum c. Consideratum est quod de preÌ„dicto debito xl s. cedat quieta c. The like trial is in Rotulo 5. of this term in dorso Kanc. Eustachius de Peckham and Rot. 6. Suthampt. between Solomon ben-Solomon and others with sundry more overtedious to insert since I intend not to be a Reporter of all their Cases but only of the form of their Law proceedings for which these with the former Instances may suffice In the same 9th year of King Edward the 1. I find these Records relating to the Jews in the Clause and Patent Rolls in the Tower of London The first of them in time is concerning a fine made with the Kings Commissioners by a Jew which another Jew undertook to satisfie for him to the King whereupon there issued this Writ to the Receiver of their goods Rex dilecto Clerico suo Philippo de Wyleby Nuper Receptori bonorum Iudaeorum dampnatorum in diversis Comitatibus salutem Quia Aaron filius Vynes Iudaeus London manucepit solvere nobis 40 s. in quibus Abraham fil Elye filii Magistri Mossei Iudaei London et quinque Marcas in quibus Mosseus fil Hugonis nobis tenentur pro fine quem nobiscum feceruâ—t coram dilectis fidelibus nostris Stephano de Penecestre sociis suis tunc Justiciariis nostris ad Placita de Transgressionibus monetae nostrae andiend et terminand assignatis pro Transgressionibus monâ—tae Vobis mandamus quod praedict Abraham de praedict 40 s. et praedict Mosseum de praedict 5 marcis quietos esse facias Et scire facias Justiciariis nostris ad custodiam Iudaeorum assignatis quod praedict 40 s. 5. marc decidant praefato Aaron in debitis quae eidem Aaroni concessimus in recompensationem cujusdam debiti in quo Galfridus Peche eidem Aaroni tenebatur Et quod idem Aaron carissimae Consorti nostrae et Alianorae Reginae Angliae nuper remisit T. R. apud Westm 28 die Maii. The like writ in effect issued for Sarra a Jewesse of London concerning a like Fine the same year to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer Rex Thes et Baronibus suis de Scaccario salutem Cum Sarra de London Judea Northampt teneatur nobis in quinque marcis per quas finem fecit nobiscum coram dilecto Clerico nostro Hugo de Kendale ad hujusmodi fines recipiend nuper assignat pro Hak fil ejus Judeae pro quibusdam transgressionibus monetae eidem Hak impositis ut dicitur ad quarum solutionem bona et catalla ipsius Sarrae ad presens non sufficiant ut accepimus Nos paupertati ejusdem Sarrae quae occasione debiti illius in prisona nostra Northampt. detinetur compatientes et in eo super hoc gratiam facere volentes Concessimus eidem Sarrae quod de illis 5 marcis solvat nobis per annum ad Scaccarium nostrum viz. ad Scacc. nostrum Pasche prox futur unam marcam et sic de anno in annum ad eundem terminum unam marcam quousque dictae 5. marcae nobis fuerint persolutae Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Sarrae terminum illum habere et sic fieri et irrotulari faciatis ipsam Sarram a prisona praedicta si ea occasione et non alia detineatur in eadem sine dilatione deliberari faciatis Teste Rege apud Winton 12. die Octobris The Jews by the custome formerly used and the Statute de Iudaismo could not sell any of their Houses no more than their debts without the Kings special license first obtained in writing for which take this president of the foresaid year Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali dedimus licentiam Samueli de Eborum Judaeo London vendendi cui voluerit quoddam Messuagium suum in Civitae Ebor quod est in vico de Conyngestreet inter domum Paulini de Munbray ex una parte et domum Ade Verdeuel ex altera dum tamen idem Sam messuag illud ad manum mortuam non ponat contra formam Statuti nostri Dedimus etiam licentiam ei qui Messuag illud ab eodem Samuele emere voluerit illud emendi prout magis viderit expedire nisi Messuag illud fit Escaeta nostra vel alio modo jus habeamus in eodem In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Winton 12 die Octobris The like Licenses to sell houses I find in other Patent and Clause Rolls This year the King to search out all the Debts owing to the condemned Jews or others sent forth this Commission to search all the Chests of the Jews and the Stars and writings in them and to recover all the Debts that were due on them somewhat different from those formerly granted Rex dil fidel suis Hamoni Hutteyn Roberto de Ludham et Magistro Henrico de Bray salutem Quia volumus quod omnes Cartae Starra et munimenta omnia Iudaeorum dampnatorum et alia quocunque modo ad Nos ratione Iudaismo pertinentia per vos scrutentur videantur et tunc transcribantur distinctè et aperte Ita quod extractae fieri possint inde ad debita illa ad opus nostrum levanda prout de jure et secundum legem et consuetudinem Scaccarii Iudaismi nostri fuerit faciend et prout ad opus nostrum magis videritis expedire Et ideo vobis mandamus quod ad certos c. praemissa fac in forma praedicta Et de Cartis Starâ—is munimentis et debitis illis tres Râ—tulos faciatis quorum unus liberetur Baronibus nostris de Scaccario alter ad Scaccarium Iudaismi nostri et tertius remaneat in custodia vestra Magistro Henrico nobis liberandus In cujus c. T. R. apud Guildeford 21 die Octobris A like Patent to this with little variation De Archis Cirographorum aperiendis et scrutandis c. I find in the patent Roll of 14 E. 1. m. 20. where all may peruse it at leisure This same year the King confirmed the Grant of his Dâ—odands to the House of the Converts in London towards the repairing of the Chappel and buildings there by this Writ directed to his Justices it inerant Rex Justiciariis itinerantibus in Com. Lincoln salutem Cum nos dudum pro salute animae nostrae et animarum Antecessorum nostrorum Regum Angliae concessimus dilectis Nobis in Christo Fratribus Fraedicatoribus London Elemosinam nostram quae Deodanda vocatur in Regno nostro Angliae in subsidium translationis Domorum suarum usque ad finem triennii percipiendam et post idem triennium eandem Elemosinam dei intuitu concessimus Conversis domus nostrae London ad fabricam
habendum et tenendum eidem Judaeo haeredibus suis in perpetuum eidem Judaeo quod praedictum Gardinum ab eadem Auntlera recipere possit tenore praesentium similiter licentiam concedimus specialem Nolentes quod eadem Auntlera vel haeredes sui aut praedictus Iudaeus authaeredes sui ratione venditionis seu recepitionis Gardini praedicti per nos vel haeredes nostros Justiciarios Ballivos aut alios Ministros nostros occasionentur gravantur in aliquo seu molestantur In cujus c T. R. apud West 17. die Junii The like Patent I find to Aaron the Kings Brothers Jew â—orementioned to sell his house and rents in fee to any Christian who should purchase them by his Lords license even after the Edict past and Letters of safe conduct granted for the Jews banishment and departure hence as appears by comparing their dates Rex omnibus c. salutem Sciatis quod concessimus licentiam dedimus Aaron fil Vynes Judaeo Edmundi fratris nostri carissimi quod ipse domos et redditus suos tam infra Civitatem nostram London quam infra Regnum nostrum de licentia voluntate praedicti fratris nostri Domini sui vendere possit upon his banishment hence quibuscunque Christiaenis voluerit absque impedimento nostri vel aliorum nostrorum quorumcunque eisdem Christianis quod domâ—s illas redditus ab eodem Iudaeo emere valeant similiter licentiamconcedimus specialem jure cujuslibet in omnibus semper salvo In cujus c T. R. apud Langeleye 28 die Julii After the date is the Letters for the Jews safe conduct out of England to the Sheriffs It is very observable that these three last Patents were made but a very little before and the last of them clearly after the Jews universal banishment voted resolved both by the King and Parliament For when as the King his Justices and Parliament by all their Inquisitions Commissions Care Providence and Execution of so many Jews in all parts could no ways suppresse their clipping and falsifying of the Money of the Realme nor yet reforme the manifold other wickednesse and misdemeanors of the English Jewes nor all the industry and pains of the Friers Preachers nor all that liberal provisions and grants of the King forecited to the House of Converts for their comfortable support maintenance and confirmation in the Christian faith so far operate upon their obstinate obdurate hearts as to convert any considerable number or any persons of note amongst them to the Christian faith from which many Converts apostatized nor yet suppresse their continual blasphemies against our crucified Saviour the Christian faith Sacraments of the Church and blessed Virgin Thereupon the King at the earnest frequent solicitation of the Commons assembled this year in Parliament after the Feast of St. Hilary enacted published an Edict or Decree in Parliament for the total universal and final banishment of all these wicked blasphemous unbeleeving Jews out of England then generally execrable detestable to all the people who were so desirous to be for ever quit of their company that they granted the King the 15 part of all their goods and moveables for their banishment and expulsion out of England as I have formerly proved at large by a full grand Jury of Historians and several Records in my former Demurrer against Sir Edward Cooks grosse assertion that they only voluntarily banished themselves because their usury was this year suppressed by the Stat. de Iudaismo which I have proved was made full 15 years before to be no cause at all of their exile now In pursuance of this Parliamentary Edict Decree now no where extant on Record all the Parliament Rolls before 5 Ed. 2. being wholly lost and many since by the carelessenesse or iniquity of the times except only an old Parchment Book of some Pleas in Parliam in E. 1 one Statute Roll of K. Ed. the 1. Ed. 2. and Ed. 3. wherein the Statute De Iudaismo with many other printed Acts are not to be found no more than this Edict for the Jews banishment though mentioned in many Histories and Records the King in this very moneth of Iuly sent several Writs Letters and Patents to the Sheriffs of Counties Mayors of Towns Bayliffs and Barons of the Cinqueports and likwise to Mariners reciting that he had prescrib'd a certain time term day to all and every of the Iews within the Realm for their departure out of it into forraign parts commanding them not to doe nor suffer any injury molestation grievance to be done to them by any in their passage beyond the Seas for which he had given them safe conduct but to grant them their wives and children a safe and speedy passage within the time prefixed them at the Jews own costs paying reasonable rates for their freights and passage without immoderate exactions especially on the poorer sort of them lest their passage should be hindred by such immoderate and unreasonable exactions I shall transcribe these Writs and Letters at large out of the Records themselves as most pertinent to my intended Theame beginning with those to Sheriffs Rex Vic Gloucestriae c. Cum Iudaeis Regni nostri universis certum tempus praefixerimus a Regno illo Transfretanoi Nolentes quod ipsi per Ministros nostro aut alios quoscunque aliter quam fieri consuevit indebite pertrectentur Tibi praecipimus quod per totam Ballivam tuam publicè proclamari et firmiter inhiberi facias ne quis eis intra terminum praedictum injuriam molestiam dampnum inferat seu gravamen Et cum contingat ipsos cum catallis suis quae eis concessimus versus partes London causa Transfretrationis suae dirigere gressus suos salvum securum conductum eis habere facias sumptibus eorum Proviso quod Iudaei praedicti ante recessum suum vadia Christianorum quae penes se habent illis quorum fuerint si ea acquietare voluerint restituant ut tenentur Teste Rege apud Westm 18 die Iulii Anno 18. E. 1. Consimiles Literae diriguntur Vicecomitibus Essex Ebor. Northampt. Lincoln Teste ut supra Item Vicecomitibus Hereford Suthampt. The form of the Letters for protection and safe conduct to particular Jews and their Families which the richer sort of Jews purchased at dear rates was this Rex Majoti et Ballivis Eborum salutem Quia certum diem praefixerimus Iudaeis nostris Angliae regnum nostrum exeundi et â—e ad partes alias transferendi Vobis mandamus quod Bonamico Judaeo Eborum uxori pueris vel familiae suae in personis aut rebus interim nullam molesâ—iam inferatis set ipsos quantum in vobis est manuteneatis protegatis et defendatis Et cum idem Bonamicus cum uxore pueris et familia sua post Terminum Proclamationis factae de vadiis Christianorum acquietandis ad partes maritimas causa transfretandi divertere
accipere emere exceptis illis quae de Ecclesia sunt panno sanguine lento Et si Judaeus ab aliquo appellatus fuerit sine teste de illo appellatu erit quietus solo Sacramento suo super librum suum et de appellatu illarum rerum quae ad Coronam nostram pertinent similiter quietus erit solo Sacramento suo super Rotulum suum Et si inter Christianum Iudaeum fuerit dissentio de accommodatione alicujus pecuniae Judaeus probabit Catallum suum Christianus lucrum Et liceat Judaeo quietè vendere vadium postquam certum erit eum illud unum annum unum diem tenuisse Et Judaei non intrabunt in placitum nisi coram Nobis aut coram illis qui Turres nostras custodierint in quorum Ballivis Iudaei manserint Et ubicunque Iudaei fuerint liceat eis ire ubicunque voluerint cum omnibus catallis eorum sicut res nostrae propriae nulli liceat eos retinere neque hoc eis prohibere Et praecipimus quod ipsi quieti sint per totam Angliam Normanniam de omnibus Consuetudinibus Theoloniis modiatione vini ficut nostrum proprium catallum Et mandamus vobis praecipimus quod eos custodiatis defendatis manu-teneatis et prohibemus ne quis contra Cartam istam de hiis supradictis eos in placitum ponat super forisfacturam nostram Sicut Carta Regis H. patris nostri rationabiliter testatur T. Humf. filio Petri Com. Essex Willielmo de Marescal Com. de Pembr Henr. de Bohun Com de Hereford Robert de Turnham Willielmo Brywer c. Dat. per manum S. Well Archidiac apud Merleberg Decimo die Aprilis Anno regni nostri secundo The second Patent runs in these words Johannes Dei gratia c. Sciatis Nos concessisse praesenti Carta nostra confirmasse Judaeis nostris in Anglia ut excessus qui inter eos emerserint exceptis hiis qui ad Coronam Justitiam nostram pertinent de morte hominis mahemio de assaltu praemeditato de fractura domus et de Raptu et de Latrocino de Combustione de Thesauris inter eos deducantur secundum Legem suam et emendentur Justitiam suam inter se ipsos faciant Concedimus etiam eis quod si quis eorum alium appellaverit de querela quae ad eos pertineat Nos neminem compellemus ad testimonium cuiquam eorum contra alium exhibendum sed si Appellator rationabilem idoneum testem habere poterit eum secum adducat Siquod verò opus sceleratum apertum inter eos emerserit quod ad Coronam nostram vel ad Justitiam pertineat sicut de praedictis Placitis Coronae licet nullus eorum noster appellator fuerit Nos ipsam querelam faciemus per Legales Judaeos nostros Angliae inquiri sicut Carta Regis H. patris nostri rationabiliter testatur Teste G. filio Petri Com. Essex Willielmo Mareschallo Com. de Pembr Hen de Bohun Com. de Hereford Petro de Pratell Roberto de Turnham Willielmo de Waren Hugo de Nevil Roberto de veteri Ponte Dat. per manum S. Well Archidiac apud Merleberg X. die Aprilis Anno Regni nostri secundo Both these Charters were dated at the same place on the self-same day by the self-same hand and subscribed by the same Witnesses for the most part The first of them extends to all the Jews both in England and Normandy the latter to the Jews in England alone The persons subscribing them as witnesses were eminent both for honor and power and it appears by the recitals in the Charters that the Liberties granted and confirmed by them to these Jews were wholly or for the most part such as King Henry the first Grandfather and K. Henry the 2. Father to King John had formerly granted and confirmed to them by their respective Charters And if you compare that Law inserted by Hoveden and others amongst the Confessors and Conquerors Laws De Judaeis in Anglia constitutis You will find it taken almost verbatim out of these Kings Charters in whose times Hoveden writ his Annals and puny to the Confessors and Conquerors Laws in the true Original copyes whereof it is not to be found We need not much wonder that King Iohn did grant such large Liberties and Charters as these recited to the Jewish High Priests and Jews throughout his Dominions since some few years after as Matthew Paris writes he sent special Embassadors to Admirallus the Great Mahometan King of Africk Fesse and Spain profering to surrender up his Crown and Kingdom to him and hold them under him as his Vassal and likewise To reuounce the Christian Religion as vain and faithfully to Adhere to the Mahometan Religion For which he was much scorned and derided by ihis Mahometan Prince as the Dregs both of Kings and Men He will soon turn a compleat Turk who is become half a Jew These Liberties thus ratified by King Iohn drew many Jews into England out of forraign parts with their wealth and treasure according to the old Proverb Fistula dulce canit volucres dum decipit auceps but when these Decoyes had drawne them and their wealth into the Net you may read how he plucked off their feathers and tormented their bodies to gain their monies in our Historians and my first Demurrer Amongst the Records in the Treasury of the Receiver of the Exchequer in the 4th year of King Iohn I find one Bonefand a Jew indicted at Bedford for gelding and cutting off the yard of one Richard whereof upon his trial he was acqitted as the Record it self will more fully manifest in its own dialect Placita capta apud Bedeford a die Sacti Michaelis in 〈◊〉 Septim coram Simon de Pateshall Rich de Faukenbrig Sociis suis Anno Regni Regis Johannis 4to Rot. 5. in dorso Hundr de Clipton Robertus de Sutton appellat Bonefand Judaeum de Bedeford quod ipse in pace Domini Regis nequiter fecit ementulare Ricardum nepotem suum unde ipse obiit Ita quod ipse fecit portare eum usque in terram suam de Hacton quam ipse habet in vadio ibi obiit et hoc offert probare Et tunc Bonefand venit et defendit totum offert Domino Regi 1 marc pro habenda Inquisitione utrum sit inde culpabilis vel non Et Iuratores inquisiti dicunt quod non est culpabilis inde et ideo Bonefand sit quietus Robertus in misericordia pro falso appello And in the Margin of the Roll custodiatur is written This is the first Indictment I find upon record against a Jew Not long after King Iohns Charters confirmed the Jews fell to their usual trade of clipping and washing the current coyn of the Kingdom as is evident by this New Ordinance against this abuse and touching the
two Christians and two Jews c. according to the forementioned Charter of King Iohn Inter Placita apud VVestm Anno x Regis Johannis Termino Hilarii in Octabis Sancti Hilarii Rotulo 9 in dorso Samuel Mucun Muriel Judaea petunt versus Herebertum filium Heb. CCCCl de Catallis de debito Israel per quandam Cartam et producunt duos Christianos duos Judaeos paratos ad hoc probandum prout Curia consideraverit Herebertus dicit quod Carta illa falsa est ideo falsa quia Sigillum illud nunquam suum fuit nec Cartam illam fecit nec pecuniam illam mutuo recepit producit Sigillum suum Eburneum plurimas Cartas Sigillo illo Sigillatas tam de Abaciis quam de confirmatione terrarum And hereupon I find no further proceedings in this Record printed a little out of its due place before these ensuing proceeding it in time could be transcribed It seems every Jew in that age had his proper Seal to Seal Charters Stars and Obligations therewith which yet were good in Law if really sealed by him though with any other Seal than his own In the 5 year of King Iohn the Jews of London being assaulted disturbed and misused by the people against the Kings protection and peace thereupon the King at their request sent this sharp Letter to the Mayor and Barons of London committing the Jews there to their protection and defence and threatning severely to punish and require their blood at their hands if they should suffer any injury through their default Rex c. Majori Bar. London c. Semper dileximus vos multum jura libertates vestras bene observari fecimus unde credimus vos nos specialiter diligere ea quae ad bonorem nostrum pacem tranquilitatem terrae nostrae eduntur libenter velle prestare Verum cum sciatis quod Judaei in speciali nostra protectione sint miramur quod Iudaeis in civitate London morantibus malum fieri sustinetis cum id manifeste sit contra pacem Regni terrae nostrae tranquilitatem Ita quidem magis miramur et movemur quia alii Iudaei per Angliam ubicunque moram fecerunt exceptis illis qui sunt in villa vestra in bona pace consistunt Nunc id tamen diximus pro Iudaeis nostris pro pace nostra quia si â—uidam tantum pacem nostram dedissemus debetur inviolabiter observari De caetero autem Iudaeos in civitate London morantes vestrae committimus custodiae ut si quis eis malum facere attentaverit vos manu forti eis subsidium facientes eos defendatis Vestris enim manibus eorum sanguinem modo requiremus si forte per defectum vestri aliquid mali eis acciderit quod absit Scimus enim bene quod per fatuos Villae et non per discretos hujusmodi eveniunt et debent discreti fatuorum Stultitiam compescere Teste meipso apud Montem fortem 29 die Julii This smart Letter demonstrates the Kings cordial affection to the Jews though more for his own advantage than theirs In the Fine Rolls of the 6 of King Iohn I find this Kecord Galfr. de Salvage dat 10 Mar. ut Willus de Hardreshal acquietet ipsum versus Jacob. Iudaeum Northampton de plegagia debiti unde pleg Willi. fuit versus eundem Iudaeum et unde queritur quod pro defectu ejus distringitur Et mandat est licent quod si ipse Willus non fuerit et ipse Galfr. ips sect c. In the Clause Rolls of the 7 9 years of K. Iohn I find these 3 short records manifesting the Kings power both to remit their usury due upon contracts and to respite their debts themselves Rex Constabulario Wallingford c. Praecipimus tibi quod pacem habere facias Roberto de Maure de usuris debiti Iudaeorum de termino quem monstrare poterit quod fuerit in servicio nostro cum equis et armis ultra mare per praeceptum nostrum Teste meipso apud Wodestoke 25 die Maii per Iusticiarios Rex W. de Warren et sociis suis c. Mandamus vobis quod quietum esse faciatis Abbatem sanct Radegunde de usuris debitorum Iudaeorum de duobus annis proxime praeteritis usque ad instans Pasche anno reg nostri 9. dum fuit in servicio nostro per praeceptum nostrum Et Summoneatis Iudaeos quibus ipse debita debet quod sint coram Iusticiario nostro G. fil Petri eoram nobis a die Pasche in 15 dies ad recipiendum ab eo finem debitis illis Et mandetis Vicâ—quibus necesse fuerit quod nullam interim districtinem faciant eidem Abbati pro debitis illis reddendis T. G. fil Petri apud Suth 25 die Marcii Rex W. de Warren et sociis suis custodibus Iudaeorum c. Mandamus vobis quod quietum esse faciatis Rogerum Wesperill de usuris debitorum quae debet Simoni Iudeo Oxon. ab hoc inst Pasce anno Reg. nostri 9. usque ad Pasche prox sequent et interim ei respectum habere faciatis de praedict debitis T. Aaron Norwic. apud Clarenden 21 die Marcii per eundem By these 3 Presidents it is apparent that the Jews Usury was condemned and no ways favoured by King Iohn and his Justices in that age long before either the Statute of Merton 20 H. 3. c. 5. or De Iudaismo 3 E. 1. c. 1. were enacted and that the King would by no means permit it to run against any whilst actually imployed in his service nor others whom he favoured to whom he released the Usury at his pleasure and his Judges likewise by his command In the Roll of Fines of the 9 year of King Iohn I find these two cases concerning extents of Lands for the debts of Jews in that age Margareta de Lucy dat quinque marcas pro habenda haereditate de Kerchel et de Hammes quam Robertus de Lucy quondam vir ejus invadiavit Iudaeis in vita sua quod Iudaei capiant se a debito quod idem Robertus eis debuit super praedictum vadium ad haeredem ipsâ—us Roberti qui haereditatem suam tenet Et mandatum est Vicecomiti quod accepta ab ea securitate de praedictis 5 marcis faciat ei habere plenariam seisinam de praedicta haereditate sua quae capta fuit in manum Domini Regis occasione praedicta Et mandatum est Iusticiariis Iudaeorum quod de praedicto debito capiant se ad haereditatem praedicti Roberti quam haeres ejus tenet The husband morgaged his wives inheritance to a Jew for a debt and dies for which the wives lands being taken by way of extent into the Kings hands upon the Wives suit and fine of 5 marks her land is discharged the husbands land descended to his heir charged with and extended for
this pardon of a Jews debt which this King seised to his own use * Dominus Rex pardonavit Nicholao de Wancy 10 lib. quas ei debuit de debitis Iudaeorum mandatum est Baronibus de Scaccario quod ipsum Nich. de praedict 10 libr. quietum esse faciant T. apud Windsore 16 Julii In the 18 and last year of King Iohn I find his Writ to the Barons of the Exchequer to allow upon the account of Hubert de Burgo amongst other things Carnarium Judaeorum Iudaearum in castro de Lossins It seems some Jews of both Sexes were then strictly imprisoned either for their Taxes or some misdemeanors not mentioned in the Record These are the most material Records I have found in my search relating to the Jews affairs during the not long but unfortunate troublesome reign of King Iohn I proceed to those of Henry the 3 his Son and Successor which are more copious various and delightfull both for matter and rarity In the very first year of King Henry the 3. being then an Infant under the wardship of the Earl Marshal his Protect some Iews being formerly arested imprison'd there issued forth these Writs and Mandates for their release the cause of their imprisonment not appearing Mandatum est W. Marescai juniori quod sine dilatione deliberari faciat Cheram Iudaeam de Winton quam Galfred de Laurton et Frnnket servientes sui ceperunt et captam detinent et ut permittant ipsam Cheram sine impedimento venire usque Winton quia Dominus Rex plenam pacem suam ei concessit T. Com. to wit W. Earl Marshal then Protector apud VVinton 22 die Aprilis Anno reg Dom. Regis primo Et mandatum est praedictis G. et Franket quod ipsam Cheram sine dilatione deliberent et sine impedimento permittant venire ad VVinton T. eodem Rex Iosceo de Plugenap salutem Mandamus vobis firmiter precipientes quod sine dilatione et occasione aliqua deliberetis et quietum abire permittatis Ioppe fil Iocei de VVilton Iudaeum quem cepistis et captum tenetis Et in hujus rei testimonium c. T. Comite apud Winton 21 die Aprilis An. reg nostri primo Rex Rico fil Rog. salutem Mandamus vobis sicut alias mandavimus firmiter praecipientes quod sine dilatione et occasione aliqua deliberetis Isaac fil Solomonis Iudaeum quem cepistis apud Winton ipsumque mittatis quietum ad Comitem VV. Marescallum Rectorem nostrum et regni nostri apud VVinton In cujus rei testimonium c. Teste Com. apud VVinton 21 die April an reg nostr primo King Henry in the second year of his raign being informed by his Counsel what great advantage he might make by the Jews upon all occasions by the advice of his Counsel sent forth thse special Writs and Leâ—ters Parents to 24 Burgesses in each Town where the Jews resided to protect them and theirs from injury appointed special Justices for their custody and affaires and likewise confirmed all their former Liberries for protection of their persons and Estates from violence and exempting them from the Bishops Jurisdiction and all other Courts and Judicatures whatsoever but those Justices he specially appointed for their custody And likewise commanding all the Jews to wear two white Tables in their breasts that thereby they might be manifestly distinguished from Christians and the better known and secured from injury and violence by those their new Protectors Rex Constabulario et Praepositis Gloucest salutem Mandamus vobis quod sine dilatione liberetis Judâ—â—os nostros Gloucest 24. Burgensibus Gloucestriae custodiendos Nec permittaâ—is quod ipsi Iudaei ab aliquibus vexentur maxime de Cruce signatis vel aliis Nomina autem Burgensium quibus illos commiteritis custodiendos imbreviari faciatis Et ipsi c. T. Com. apud Glouc. x die Martii Anno reg nostri secundo Rex Vic Lincoln salutem Praecipimus tibi quod eligas 24. de meloribus et discretionibus Civibus Lincoln qui custodiant Iudaeos nostros Lincoln et qui non permittant quod aliquis eis malum vel injuriam faciat de Cruce signatis vel aliis qui c. T. Com. apud Oxon 30 die Marcii Rex omnibus Ballivis et fidelibus suis salutem Sciatis Nos de communi Consilio â—ostro attornasse dilectos et fideles nostros Ric de Doli Magist Alex. de Dorset Elyam de Suvinges ad Scaccarium Iudaeorum custodiend et ad omnia negocia nostra quae pertinent ad officium illud rectand per totam Angliam Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praedicto Ric Alex. et Elye â—itis intendentes in omnibus quae spectant ad officium illud sicut fieri solebat tempore Will de Wartun Thom. de Nevil Galfr. de Norwic. T. Com. apud West 8 die Maii. Not long after the same year there were several writs sent to the Sheriff of Hereford and others to protect the Jews persons and estates from violence which the people were prone to offer to them and to preserve them from all suits and arrests against them for contracts or other things both in the Bishops Ecclesiastical Court and before the Sheriffs or Kings ordinary Justices and Judges but only before the Justices specially designed for their custody as in the time of King Iohn which writs were all sent them in this form Rex Vicecomiti Hereford salutem Scias quod de communi Concilio nosâ—ro concessimus Judaeis nostris ut ipsi maneant in Hereford sicut solebant tempore Domini Johannis Regis Patris nostri quod talem habeant communionem qualem habere consueverant inter Christianos Et ideo tibi praecipimus quod eos custodias manuteneas protegas non eis inâ—etens vel inferri permittens aliquod gravamen vel molestiam si aliquis eis in aliquo forisfecerit id eis sine dilatione facias emendari Et clamari facias pertotam Ballivam tuam quod eis sirmam pacem nostram dedimus non obstante 〈◊〉 proâ—iâ—itione inde facta ab Episcopo Hereford 〈◊〉 nihil ad ipsum pertinet de Judaeis nostris Et prohibemus tibi ne manus mittas in eos aut in Catalla eorum nec eos capias aut imprisones nec in Placitum trahas aut a Justiciariis nostris ab aliquo trahi permittas Set si aliquid fecerint quare poni debeant per vadium plegios tunc illos eorum excessus attachies quod sint coram Justiciariis nostris ad Custodiam Judaeorum attornatis inde responsuri hoc facias per visum legalium Christianorum Judaeorum Et non permittas quod placitentur in curia Christianitatis occasione alicujus debiti Et haec omnia fieri facias sicut fieri solebant tempore Johann Regis patris nostris Teste Com. apud Turrem London 19 die Junii
Anno c. secundo Eodem modo scribitur Vicecomiti Wigorn. Vicecom Civibus Eborum Vicecomiti Constabulario Lincoln de Stanford Constabulario Bristol pro Judaeis de Bristol Vicecom Constabul Gloucest pro Judaeis Gloucestriae Vicecom Constab Northamton Vicecom Suthampton civibus Winton pro Judaeis There being Jews then residing in all these places In the 2 year of King Henry the 3. I find this Kings Writ to several Sheriffs where the Jews resided to proclaim that all the Jews where ever they did walk or ride should on their upper Garments wear 2 white Tables on their breasts made of Linnen Cloath or parchment as well within the Town as without that so they might be known from Christians Rex Vicecomiti Wigorniae salutem Praecipimus tibi quod clamari observari facias per totam Ballivam tuam quod omnes Judaei deferunt in superiori indumento suo ubicunque ambulaverint aut equitaverint infra villam vel extra quasi duas Tabulas albas in Pectore factas de lineo panno vel de parcameno Ita quod per hujusmodi signum manifestè possint Iudaei à Christianis discerni Teste Comite to wit William Marshal Earl of Glocester the Kings Guardian and Protector apud Oxon. 30. die Martiii Item mandatum est Vicecomit Glocest VVarwick Lincoln Oxon Northampt. Majori Vicecomitibus London In the Fine Roll of 2 H. 3. there is a writ directed to the Barons of the Exchequer by the King reciting Constat Nobis per inspectionem rotulorum Iusticiariorum de Iudaismo c. that King Iohn his Father released Mirabilia the wife of Ely a Jew of all Debts due to him by her Husband Ita quod omnes Chartae quae fuerunt ipsius Eliae debita in eis contenta ipsi patri nostro remaneant that King Iohn upon Elye his death seized and granted all his houses except two which Mirabilia by agreement was to have paying a fine of 15 marks to his Father which was not yet paid which agreement he confirmed and thereupon orders the Sheriff to levy the said Fine and Debts T. Com apud Gloc. 3. die Ian. It appears by many Rolls of 2. and also of 3 4 5. H. 3. that King Iohn seized and gaâ—e away to otherâ— the Houses of divers Jews both in Glocester Oxon Northampton and that King Henry likewise disposed of them as escheated to him either by the Jews deaths or for some other causes Take these two presidents for all the rest * Rex Fulâ— de Breant salutem Mandamus vobis quod sine dilatione habere fac Pho Marc. domum quae fuit Isaac Iudaei de Eboraco in Northampton et domum quae fuit Isaac Judaei Oxon in Oxon quas Dom. Jo. pr. noster dedit Galf. Luterel cujus terrae et haeredis custodiam concessimus eidem Pho. T. Com. apud West 17 die Jan. per ipsum Com. coram Dom. Winton Eodem modo scribitur Vic. Oxon. pro eodem et Ballivis Iudaeorum Oxon. pro eodem Rex Vic. Glouc. salutem Constat nobis per inspectionem Rotulorum nostrorum quod Dom. J. Rex pater noster dedit Guiberto de Rue Domum quae fuit Elye Iudaei Gloc. c. cum quadam placita quae fuit Mossei Judaei cum pert suis Et ideo tibi praecipimus quod eidem Guiberto de praedict domo placia plenariam seisinam sine dilatione habere fac T. Dom Pet. Winton apud Novum Templum London 23. die Sept. per eundem In the 3d. year of King Henry the 3. some Jews coming into England from foreign parts with their goods to reside there the Wardens of the Ports of England seised upon the persons and estates of these unwelcom Guests which occasioned these new Writs to be sent unto them for their free admission into England without impediment or seizure upon such security and terms as are expressed in the Writs and prohibiting the transportation of any Jews or their Chattels out of this Land into foreign parts without the Kings special Letters and License being once within his power Rex Custodibus Portuum Angliae Praecipimus vobis quod Judaeos qui venturi sunt in terram nostram Angliae de transmarinis partibus ad morandum in terra nostra Angliae cum catallis suis liberè et sine impedimento in portu nostro â—â—cedere permittatis accepta ab eis sufficienti securitate secundum Legem Judaeorum per fidem eorundem quod quam citius poterint veniant ad Iusticiarios nostros ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatos ad inrotuland nomina eorum in rotulis nostris Et si aliquem Judaeum qui de partibus transmarinis venerit sicut praedictum est retinueritis ipsum et catalla sua sine dilatione deliberari faciatis Si quos autem inveneritis Iudaeos de terra nostra qui ad vos venerint ad transfretandum usque ad partes transmarinas sine literis nostris de licentia transfretandi ipsos cum catallis suis arrestari faciatis donec a Nobis vel a Iusticiariis nostris ad custodiam Indaeorum assignatis inde aliud mandatum habueritis T. Petro VVinton Episcopo apud VVestm 13 die Novemb. Anno Regni nostri tertio Divers Debtors of the Jews made a fine with king Iohn in the 10th year of his reign to be paid at certain terms of which payments they failing the Jews thereupon paying the fine had these debts assigned them by king Henry the 3. and a precept to extend all the lands they had in 10 of king Iohn prohibiting the taking of any use from them before the kings assignment but allowing use afterwards as this Record demonstrates Rex Vic. Lincoln et Eborum salutem Quia Gilb. de Bercumworth Norm de Arecy and 5 more there named non servaverunt terminos suos de fine quem fecerunt cum Dom. Rege patre nostro de debitis Iudaeorum Nos de consilio nostro die Sancti Martini An. reg nost 3. Liberavimus Helie de Linc. Iudaeo debita eorundem de quibus finem fecerunt per finem quem idem Helie nobis fecit Ita quod de eisdem debitis exigere possit totum catallum suum sine lucre quod sibi de cetero proveniet Et ideo praecipimus G. de Bercumworth quod sine dilatione reddat eidem Helie 316 l. 10 s. cum lucro quod sibi excreverit a praedicto die sancti Martini Item praecipimus Norm de Arecy quod sine dilatione reddat eidem Helie 23 l. 17 s. c. reciting the other 5 debts at large cum lucris quae de praedictis debitis excreverit a praedicto termino Et nisi fecerint tunc sine dilatione seisiatis ipsum H. and the rest de omnibus terris et redditibus quae fuerunt praedict debitorum in Balliva vestra An. regni Dom. I. regis patris nostri decimo quae scil terrae et
arreragiis Tallagii 6000 marc quia tunc Talliati fuerunt per capita de aliis debitis et finibus quae Regi debent non obstante hoc fine interim Regi respondeant In cujus c. T. Pet. Winton Episc apud Westm. 2 die Martii Per eundem Justic It is evident by this record That there were 3 several Taxes lately imposed one by the Polâ—on every particular Jew who was obliged to pay his proportion the other of 8000 marks imposed on all the Jews generally throughout England which some of them were engaged to see paid to the King the other of 10000 marks to be paid at certain dayes by parcels as aforesaid The Arrears of all which besides other Debts and Fines to the King lay charged all on them at once In the pleas of the 18 year of King Henry the 3. I find many things touching the Jews and their affairs As namely that memorable Plea concerning the Iews circumcising a child at Norwich in the Placita 18 H. 3. rot 21. kept in the Treasury of the Exchequer which because I have printed at large in the 2 Edition of my former Short Demurrer c. p. 19 20 21. and for that it is briefly touched in Mr. Samuel Purchas his Pilgrimage Edit 3. lib. 2. c. 10. sect 7. with this observation on it out of Celsus l. 7. c. 25. That by Chirurgery the skin of a circumcised child may be drawn forth again to an uncircumcision I shall here pretermit to avoid repetition and prolixity The Jews were such unwelcom Guests to all Towns and places in England where they resided that King Henry granted this as a special Priviledg by his Charter to the Town of New-castle and their heirs that no Iew from thenceforth should remain or reside in their Town during the reign of him and his heirs as is evident by this record in the Tower Rex Viceâ—â—miâ—i Northumberland salutem Sciatis quod concessimus Carta nostra confirmavimus probis hominibus nostris de Villa Novi Castri super Tynam haeredibus eorum Quod habeant hanc Libertatem quod nullus Iudaeus de caetero Tempore nostro vel haeredum nostrorum maneat vel residentiam aliquam faciat in eadem Villa sicut plenius continecur in Carta regis quam eis modo fieri fecimus mandatum est eidem Vicecomiti quod dictam cartam in plenoâ—comitatu suo legi et clamaâ—i faciat et Praedictam Libertatem eis habere permittat sicut praedictum est Teste Rege apud Kenit Quarto die Iulii per Godfrid de Crancumb If then it were a great Priviledge Liberty Benefit happiness to the Town on New-castle and their heirs to be thus perpetually exempted from the residence and cohabitation of any Jews amongst them under this King his heirs and Successors certainly by the self-same reason it must be so likewise to all other Cities Towns and the whole realm of England and a great violation of their Liberties and impeachment of their prosperity now again to introduce these blasphemous old banished Jews amongst the English against their wills and consents In the Plea-rolls of Anno 18 H. 3. There are many things concerning the Jws affaires sundry complaints and Inquisitions concerning the oppressions and exactions of Peter de Rivallis Stephen de Segrave and Robert de Passelew Justices of the Iews for their Bribes received from the Iews against whom Simon Cirographarius Iudaeorum petit Literas And in rot 17. 20 dorso Peter de Rivallis being then under a cloud amongst other things proffered to surrender up to the King totam Forestarium Angliae et Iudaismum which the King had granted him In the 19 H. 3. the King sent this writ to prohibite all Jews hereafter to be obedient to Robert de Passelew as their Iustice being discharged of his office for his bribes and misdemeanors Mandatum est Constabulario Turr London quod scire faciat Iudeis London et aliis Iudeis qui apud London venient quod de catero in nullo sint intendentes vel respondentes Roberto Passelewe de â—iis quae ad custodiam Iudâ—orum pertinent donec Dominus Rex aliud inde praeceperit T. R. apud Gloc. 30 die Maii. This year also the Jews accused and imprisoned at Norwich for circumcising a child at Norwich the year before were commannded to be removed thence to the Tower of London as this record assures us Mandatum est Vic. Norf. quod Iudaeos de Norwic. captos et detentos in prisona Regis pro transgressione quam fecerunt de quodam parvo Christiano circumcidendo ut dicitur suis literis mitti faciat ad custos eorum usque London liberandos ibidem Constabulario Turris London cui Rex praecepit per literas suas quas eidem Vic. mittit ei mittendas quod eos recipiat et eos salvo custodiat T. R. apud West 21 die Novemb. The Indictment and whole Proceedings against them I have elsewhere at large relaâ—ed â—â—â—nd this respit of their trial for which they paid a fine De Respectu Rex Iustic suis itinerant in Com. Suff. salutem Mandamus vobis quod Iudicium quod faciendum est de quibusdam Iudaeis de Norwic. qui capti sunt et detenti in prisona nostra pro transgressione quam fecerunt de quodam puero Christiano circumcidendo ponatis in respectum coram n4obis apud London usque in 15 dies a die Saencti Hil. An. r. n. 19. accepta prius securitate de praedictis Iudaeis de centum marcis ad opus uostrum reddendis pro hoc respectu habendo Et habeatis tunc coram nobis recordum illius loquelae Mandamus enim Vic. Norf. quod cum festinatione praedictos Iudaeos mitti faciat usque Lond. liberandos ibidem Constabulario Turris nostrae London T. R. apud Westm 21 die Novemb. The same year the King sent this writ to the Sheriff of Northfolk and Suffolk to proclaim That no Iew should lend any money from thenceforth to any Christian that held any Demeasne Lands of the King in Socage or Villenage upon the lands themselves but only upon their chattels and moveables under pain of lofing the money lent or falling under the Kings amerâ—ment Rex Vicecom Norf. Suff. salutem Praecipimus tibi quod clamari facias per totos Comitatus tuos Quod nullus Iudaeus de caetero aliquam pecuniam credat alicui Christiano qui teneat de nobis in Dominicis et Maneriis nostris per servicium Scocagii uel Villenagii super terram vel tenementum aliquod quod sit de Dominico nostro set si ipsi Christiani mutuam videlicet a Iudaeis pecuniam recipere vellint illam recipiant super vadium catallorum et rerum mobilium Et si aliquis contra hoc praeceptum nostrum in posterum venire presumpserit Iudaeus pecuniam sic creditam amittat et in misericordiam nostram incidat et Christianus
Priesthood in the old and new Testam Latin Authors and Records is never stiled Presbyteratus but Sacerdotium nor their Priest not High Priest Presbyter omnium Iudeorum but Sacerdos Pontifex max. summus Sacerdos c. and upon my comparing of several records together since the 3 4 and 5. pages of this second Demurrer printed which I could not transcribe nor compare together till afterwards that it is past all dispute This year the King imposed a Tax of ten-thousand marks upon the Jews from the immediate payment whereof no Iew was to be excused or respited but by the Kings special Writ as these two Records informe us in this very year Mandatâ—m est Iusticiariis ad custod Iudaeorum assignatis quod de arreragiis Tallagii Iudaeorum de 10 mille marc quae colligi preâ—ipit rex nullos Iudaeos quietos esse permittant nisi Tallagium illud ad Scac. regis pacaverint vel literas regis de quietancia inde habuerint vel aliud rationabile Warrantum producant quod eis de jure sufficere debeat Teste Rege apud Marleburge 13 die December Rex quietum clamavit Aaron Iudaeum Ebor. de plegiag 10 mil. marc de Tallagio posito super Iudeos unde idem Aaron fuit unus de 10 plegiis In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 18 die Iunii per Archiepisc Ebor. It seems 40 rich Iews were pledges to the King for the due payment of this 10 thousand marks Tallage whereof Aaron being one was now discharged by this â—oyal instrument Some Iews in Oxford were this year imprisoned for forcibly taking away a Iewish child converted and baptized who being afterwards found they were released by this writ Mandatum est Constab Oxon quod omnes Iudaeos quos cepit et captos tenet in Castro Oxon occasione cujusdam parvi conversi et baptizati qui dicebatur per ipsos Iudaeos raptus esse et qui jam inventus est apud Oxon sine dilatione deliberet Teste Rege apud Westm 4 die Novem. In 22 H. 3. there was a new heavy Tax imposed on the Jews which some Jews in Bristol to avoid thought to flie the Land whereupon they were there imprisoned and at last released upon giving security not to depart the Realm and to pay the Tax as this record attests Mandatum est Constabul Bristol quod si Lumbard et Isaac Iudaei Bristol capti et in prisona Bristol detenti eo quod fugere volebant è terra Regis fecerint eum securum quod moram facient in terra Regis et quod reddent in medio quadragesimae Ann. c. 22. id quod ad eos pertinet de Tallagio Regis tunc eos ita deliberet è prisona T. R. apud Westm 5 die Martii There are several records this year for extending lands for the Debts of Jews take one for a president of the rest Mandatum est Jusâ—ieiariis ad custod Judaeorum assignatis quod extendi faciant terram Roberti de Ardern quae est vadium Crispini aliorum Judeorum et secundum valorem et quantitatem debiti rationabiles terras eos habere faciant T.R. apud Merleburge 25 die Martii The like extent mutatis mutandis is granted this year against the lands of William Marschal In the Clause rolls of 22 H. 3. in the Dorse of the Fine roll of 23. I find this notable case in Law reciting and expounding the Statute of Merton 20 H. 3. c. 5. concerning Usurie made but two years before it Rex Vic. Ebor. salutem Ostendit Regi Ric de Watervill quod cum in Curia Regis coram Justiciariis suis apud Westm per considerationem ejusdem Curiae recuperasset versus Rogerum de Colevill custodiam terrae quae fuit Odmelli de Albano in Dalton usque aetatem haeredis ejusdem Odmelli Aaron de Ebor. Judaeus cujus vadium dicta terra dicitur esse postea per Breve Regis recuperavit seisinam ejusdem terrae tanquam vadium suum Quia vero Rex generaliter concessit in regno suo quod haeredibus infra aetatem existentibus non currant usurae super terras suas quae vadia sint Judaeorum nec hujusmodi invadationes auferâ—e debent Dominis feodorum custodiam tâ—rrarum quae de eis tenentur per servicium militare Mandatum est Vic. Ebor. quod praedict Nicho. de praedicta terra nomine custod talem seisâ—am faciat qualem inde habuit antequam praedicto Judeo per praeceptum Regis seisâ—am inde habere fecit T. R. apud Windsore 17 die Junii If Sir Edw Cook had been so well seen in records as most deem him he would certainly have remembred this in his Commentary on the Statute of Merton cap. 5. I meet with these four records in 23 H. demonstrating what fines Releifs the Jews heirs paid to the King to enjoy their Estates after their decease c. Aaron Judeus Ebor. Benedictus fil Jossei haeredes Samuelis fil Joscei Judei finem fecerunt cum Rege pro habendis terris et catallis quae fuerunt praedicti Samuelis pro centum libris de quibus reddit xx l. per annum scil x l. ad Pasch An. 23. ad festum Sancti Michaelis Anno eodem x l. et sic de anno in annum et de termino in terminum donec praedict 100 lib. plene fuerint solutae Et mandatum est Justic ad custod Judaeorum assignatis quod ita irrotulari omnes terras et catalla praedicta eisdem Aaron et Benedicto deliberari faciant salvo uxori ejusdem Samuelis rationabili dote sua secundum Legem et consuetudinem Judeorum quam quidem doâ—em idem Justiciar ei sine dilatione facient assignari T. R. apud VVoodstock 18 die Novembris Rex Baronibus suis de Scac. salutem Sciatis quod concessimus Ursello fil Hamond de Hereford et fratribus suis quod de fine quem fecerunt nobiscum pro habendis terris 〈◊〉 catallis praedicti Hamonis patris sui habeant eosdem terminos quos eis prius concessimus et tantundem Nobis reddent per annum quantuÌ„ reddere deÌ„bent per praefatam concessionem nostram eis prius factam ita quod primus terminus eorum incipiet ad Pasch an r. n. 23. sic deinceps reddant nobis de termino in terminum tantum denar per ann quant reddere debuerunt per praedict concessionem donec totus finis nobis persolvatur non obstante eo quod praedicti Ursell et fratres sui terminos suos quos eis concessimus non observarunt T. R. apud Westm 18 die Ian. By these two Presidents and many others in the Fine Rols of this Kings reign which I pretermit is is apparent 1. That all the Jews goods chattels houses lands upon their decease remained in the Kings hands neither could their children enjoy them till they had made a special Fine
with the Kings Iustices for them and thereupon had a special Writ of restitution awarded to give them actuall possession of them 2ly That those Fines were usually ordered to be paid by certain portions half yearly till satisfied by their heirs 3ly That all the Jews sons were equally heirs to their Fathers lands houses Chattels 4ly That their wives were endowed of their lands and houses and that by special assignment of the Iustices assigned for the custody of the Iews 5ly That if they failed of paying their Fines according to their first composition they must purchase a New order for confirmation thereof else all was null In the Clause roll of 24 H. 3. pars 1. m. 9. scedula there is a writ to the Sheriff of Glocester to receive the debts and goods of one Vinion a Iew of Glocester in sundry Abbots his wives and others hands to the Kings use and deliver them to the Clerk of the wardrobe It seems this year the Sheriff of Glocester had arrested all the Iews of Glocester upon some occasion whereupon this writ to restore them issued Mandatum est Vic. Glouc. quod Iudeis Glouc. liberam administrationem de cattallis suis mobilibus immobilibus quae arestatae fuerunt habere faciat sicut habere debent secundum assisam regni nostri et solent ita quod occasione nullius mandati prius habiti non impediantur T. c. I find this Writ the same year for extending lands for a Iews debt by the Kings Almoner Rex Vic. Kant salutem Sciatis quod Elias le Eveske Iudaeus London concessit Fratri G. Elemosin nostro et custodi Hospitalis nostri de Offspringe pro fine quem idem frater G. fecit cum eo totum debitum quem Andr Kinkerel et Rob. de Syrycon debuerunt praedict Iudaeo Et ideo tibi precipimus quod eidem fratri G. plenam seisinam habere fac de Manerio de magna Delte cum pertinentiis quod est vadium ipsius Iudaei pro dicto debito et eundem fratrem G. in seisina praedict Manerii manuteneâ—tis donec a nobis aliud recipies praeceptum T. R. apud Westm 24 die Ian. In the 25 year of Henry the 3. I find this Writ to several Sheriffs to summon 6 of the richest Iews out of all Counties and Towns wherein the Iews resided to come to treat with the King at VVorcester as well concerning his as their benefit and to seise as well their bodies as chattels if they made default herein Rex Vic. Northampt. salutem Praecipimus tibi quod sicut teipsum et omnia tua diligis et sicut vis quod ac te gravissime non capiamus venire facias coram nobis apud Wigorn die dominica prima ante Cineres sex de ditioribus et potentioribus Judaeâ—is nostris Northampt. et de singulis villis comitatus tui in quibus Judaei maneant vel duos Judaeos secundum numerum eorum ad tractandum nobiscum tam de nostra quam sua utilitate Sciturus quod nisi illuc ad terminum praefatum veneâ—erint Ita manum nostram tam erga corpus quam catalla tua aggravabimus quod tuo perpetuo te sentires non mediocriter praegravari T. R. apud Merleberg 24 die Jan. Eodem modo scribitur Vic. Salop Kauc Lege Ebor. Suthampt. Worcest Linc. Essex Canteb Bedford Herf Warwic Gloucest Buck. Huntindon Heref. Oxon. et Vicecom London quod praedictis die et loco venire faciant sex de di ioribus et potentioribus Judaeis London ad tractandum c. T. ut supra Here we have a Record of a Parliament of Jews summoned out of every County and Town where they inhabited to treat with the King about that which concerned both his and their profit but the issue proved far otherwise to them for they were there constrained to submit unto a Tax of 20 thousand marks imposed on them by the King to be paid that year whereof these Jews themselves were made both the Assessors and Collectors and to levy it by most rigorous distresses from their fellow Jews together with the Sheriffs by the terms prescribed under pain of forfeitiâ—g their goods and estates and the greatest penalties to the terror of all others as appears by these memorable Records concerning it wherein most of the principal Jews then in all places of England are recorded by name being as I conceive those summoned by the former Writ to appear before the King at Worcester Rex Ursello fil Ham. Leoni fil Ham. Mosse sil Ham. Jacobo fil Iaâ—obi Mauasser Leveske Iacobo de Moster Judeis Hereford salutem Sciatis quod constituimus vos Ballivos nostros una cum Vic. nostro Hereford cui idem mandavimus ad disttingend omnes Judaeos de Balliva vestra ad solvend nobis Tallagium nostrum de parte quae vos et illos contingit de hoc ulrimo Tallagio nostro viginti millium marcarum Et ideo vobis firmiter precipimus quod sicut corpora vestra uxorum et puerorum vestrorum et omnia catalla sua diligitis talem districtionem faciatis ad praedict Tallagium nostrum terminos Statutis tam a vobis quam ab aliis de balliva vestra per manum ejusdem Vic. nostri nobis ad Scaâ— nostrum plenius solvatur secundum extractam quam eidem Vic. nostro vobis mittimus ostendeâ—dam Scituri quod a vobis requiremus si quid de praedicto Tallagio nostro in terminis nostris deficerit et tam graviter contra vos manum nostram aggravabimus quod poena vestra erit omnibus ad terrorem T. R. apud Westm 19 die Maii. Rex Vic. Hereford salutem Sciatis quod potestatem dedimus praedictis Judaeis ad distingend omnes Judaeos Hereford ad solvendum nobis Tallagium nostrum de parte quae universis contingit de hoc ultimo Tallagio nostro viginti mill marc Et ideo tibi praecipimus quod sicut te et omnia catalla tua diligis talem districtionem facias una cum praedictis Judaeis ad hoc deputatis quod praâ—dict Tallagium nostrum terminis statutis tam ab ipsis Judaeis praedict quam ab aliis de eadem villa per manum tuam nobis ad Scac. nostrum plene solvetur secundum extractam quam tibi mittimus praedictis Vrsello et sociis suis ostendendam sciturus quod si contigerit quod de praedicto Tallagio aliquid in terminis praedict defuerit tam ad corpus tuum quam ad catalla tua nos graviter capiemus T. R. apud Westm 13 die Maii. Eodem modo scribitur omnibus subscriptis Vicecomitibus et Judeis de Tallagio regis colligendo The names of the Iews appointed to levy it in all places are thus subscribed under these Writs London Benedictus Crespin Jacobus Crespin Aaron fil Abraham Aaron Blund Elias le Eveske Leo Blund Ebor. Aaron fil Jocei Leo le Eveske Joseus Nepos Aaron Joseus de Kent
reddiderunt pro residuo illins termini non distringatis donec aliud a nobis habueritis mandatum T. R. The same year the King issued this writ to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London to prevent the Jews and other Goldsmiths exchange and abasing of silver contrary to the assize of the Exchange and seise those who were guilty of it and their silver Rex Majori Vic. London salutem Praecipimus vobis quod in praesentia Thes nostri et custodis Cambii nostri venire faciatis coram vobis Adam de Shoredich Thomam de Stanes and four more named Aurifabros London et ab iis Sacramentum capiatis quod nec per se nec per aliquem alium Christianum vel Judeum cambient vel ement vel vendent argentum aliquod vel in plata vel in mina vel in aliquo alio argento contra assisam et constitutionem Cambii nostri nec cambiri nec etiam procurabunt nec permittent nec per se nec per alium et quod diligenter inquirant inquiri faciant si qui aurifabri Christiani vel Judei talia temptaverint et â—ex quo aliquem cambientem ementem vel vendentem invenerint contra assisam praedicti Cambij corpus ipsius cum argento et catallis suis attachiari faciant donec aliud inde praeceptum T. ut supra This year I find a Writ to the Justices of the Jews to free one from paying Usury to a Jew upon the ground expressed in the record relating the Jews unconscionable dealing usual in such cases Rex Justiciar ad custod Judaeorum assignat salutem Monstravit nobis Magister Laur. Travers quod cum die Pentec An. r. n. 24 quandam summam pecuniae mutuo recipisset a Benedicto Judaeo Oxon. quam infra mensem a quo pecuniam illam mutuo recepit per manum ipsius Magistri ad Judeum solvend transmisit dictus Judeus eo quod tempore illo pignora ipsius Magistri quae signata erant in Cista Judeorum signo nostro restituere non valebat pecuniam illam non admisit et de pecunia illa de toto tempore ejusdem non soluta usuras exigit a predicto Magistro ac si per incuriam ipsius et defectum remaneret per tantum tempus solvend Quia vero eidem Magistro non est imputandum quod pecuniam illam tempore debito non solvit et iniquum videtur quod inde usuras solvere debet Vobis mandamus quod si idem Magister monstr poterit per se vel per attornatum suum quod res ita se habeat tunc ipsum ab usurarum prestatâ—one quietum esse faciatis a tempore quo dictam pecuniam paratus fuit eidem Judeo solvere T. R. apud Windl 18 die Octob. The same year I find this Writ to the Constable of the Tower to send some Jews of Bristol imprisoned in the Tower for a murder to Bristol Castle to be there tried for it before the Justices Itinerant Rex Constabular Turr. London salutem Precipimus tibi quod Puentam uxorem Iacobi de Custantes Iacobum fil Iacobi et Bestotam uxorem ejus Iudeos Bristol captos et detentos in prisona nostra predict Turris pro moâ—â—e Alic fil Eve cariari fac usque Bristol ad custus Burgensium nostrorum Bristol Ita quod 〈◊〉 ibi a die Sancti Ioh. Bapt. in 15 dies ad standum inde recto coram Iustic nostr ibid. in prox Itineraturis eosdemque Iudeos liberari fac Constabulario castri nostri Bristol cui praecipimus quod eos cum ibidem venerint recipiat T. c. Et mandatum est Constab Bristol quod eos recipiat In the 26 year of H. 3. these Records concerning the Iews are yet extant the first shewing they were enforced to give their wives and children for hostages Mandatum est Iustic ad custod Iudaeorum assignatis quod si Samaritanus Iudeus Winton invenerit eis omnem eam securitatem quae coram W. Ebor. Arch de consilio Regis Provisa fuit et ordinata pro qua securitate merdien dedit uxorem suam et filios suos obsides qui tenentur in Turr. Regis London tunc praedicto Saaritano praedictos uxorem et filios deliberari fac per eundem Arâ—a VVimmodham 25 die Iun. The King this year appointed a new Keeper of the Iews chest at VVinchester not being well kept by the former by this Writ Quia Rex audivit quod Archa regis Iudeorum Winton miâ—â—s bene custodiatur tam ad opus Regis quam Christianorum Judeorum Mandatum est Vic Suthampt. quod per consilium Roberti Passelewe quem Rex illuc mittit alium cust ad hoc apponi fac T. c. The tax not being paid the King at the times appointed this year he commanding the Iews Chests to be locked up so that their creditors could not pay their debts to them nor they their debts to the King whereupon he granted his Writ to Samuel fil Isaac a Iew upon his complaint that they should pay their debts to the King at the terms formerly appointed at the rates there expressed at large Rex Iust suis ad custod Iudeorum assignatis salutem Monstravit nobis Oliva quae fuit uxor Rob. de Fraymâ—to quod cum ipsa cum nuper essemus apud Colecester probasset coram venerabil in Christo patre W. Ebor Arch. et aliis de consilio nostro tam per Christianos quam per Judaeos praefatum virum suum reddidisse Aaron et Ursello Judaeis Colecestr totum debitum quod eis debuit ante inceptionem itin sui in terram sanct et injunctum esset eisdem Judaeis quod reddent prefato Ol. Cartas confect de debito memorato licet eidem Judei quasdam Cartas mem restituerunt adhuc tamen unam ei detinent maliriose praetendentes Cartam esse Londini in depos ut sic fraud machinentur et laboribus frangent dictam mulierem Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praedictos Judeos per terras et catalla distringatis ad restituendam prefatae mulieri sine dilatione cartam praedictam Et vos eidem pedem illius Cartaerestituatis Ita vos in hac parte gerentes quod de cetero nullam inde audiamus querelam T. W. Ebor. Arch. apud Moreclac 29 die Iulii This Record manifests 1 The manner of the Jewes proving their debts both by Jewes and Christians 2 Their Jewish dealing one with another in detaining goods after debts satisfied 3. The usual way of recovering such Bonds from them when the debts were paid This year the King removed the Jews and their chests from one place to another at his pleasure as this Record besides others informs us Rex concessit Com. Pict Cornub. quod Judei regis qui manent in Berchamested transferant se usque Wallingford et ibi remaneant secundum easdem consuetudines Judeorum secundum quas apud
Berkhamested habere consueverunt Archamque quam fuit apud Berkhamsted similiter habeant apud VVallingford et eodem modo quo ipsam habuerunt apud Berkhamsted Et mandatum est Justic ad custod Jud. assignatis quod sic fieri permittant T.R. How the Jews heirs after their decease made fines to the King for their real and personal estates and how their wives were indowed this Record will manifest of the same year with the former Rex Baron suis de Scac. salutem Mandamus vobis quod distringatis Mayden quae fuit uxor Jacob. Crespin ad reddend Moss fil praedict Iacob et Isaac fratri suo terras domos redditus catalla et omnia debita quae fuerunt praedicti Jacob. patris sui pro quibus ipse Moss et Isaac finem â—ecerunt nobiscum sicut per alias litetas nostras vobis significavimus Et cum praedicti Moss Isaac seisinam habuerint de praedict terris domibus redditibus catal et debitis tunc eidem Mayden rationabilem dotem suam a praedict Moss et Isaac faciatis assignari T. R. apud Merewel 2 die Maii. In the 27 year of King Henry the King issued this precept to have a Convert Iew instructed in the Christian Faith and learning in any place where he might Mandatum est Ebor. Archiepiscopo et VV. de Cantelup then Commissioners or Justices for the Jews affairs Quod Martino converso faciant administrari in aliqua villa ubi possit tam de fide Catholica quam literarum scientia feliciter erudiri T. R. apud Burdegal 3 die Febr. The same year the King commanded the Executors of the Bishop of Winchester by his Writ to pay to W. de Haevenshel and Edward son of Odo 100l ad terras emendas ad opus Conversorum London ad sustentationem eorundem T. R. apud Burd 12 die Aprilis Et mandatum est praedictis VVillo et Edwardo quod denarios illos ab illis recipiant etterras ad opus praedictor conversorum emant Ita quod terrae praedict emptae fuerint citra festum Nativ sancti Iohis Baptistae Such was the care and charity of those times for the converts support This year the King pardoned several debts of particular Englishmen owing to particular Jews respited the payment of other Debts for a time to others by several writs to the Iustices assigned for the Iews And likewise assigned and granted the Office of Aarons Presbyteratus Judeorum Angliae in the Exchequer forementioned to Elie le Eveske a Jew of London or his Attorney with all the Rolls of the Exchequer belonging to Aaron in as ample manner as Aaron formerly had them commanding the Justices assigned for the Jews custody to invest him in this office of Aaron Et nullam decetero summonitionem facere de aliquo debito de quo debetur responderi coram eis nisi per visum et testimonium predicti Elye vel illius quem ad hoc loco suo attornaverit which clearly proves that the Presbyteratus omnium Iudaeorum totius Angliae granted to Aaron and now transferred to Elye was nothing else but the Custos Rotulorum or Controllership of the Exchequer Et mandatum est eisdem quod quotiens idem Elyas intendere non possit ad sedendum ad Scac. Joceum fil Copini loco suo recipiant ad ea facienda ad idem Scac. quae ad Presbyteratum Iudaeorum pertinent Rotulos etiam qui fuerant Jocei predecessoris sui eidem Elye vel attornato suo habere faciatis T. apud Westm 21 die Octob per Will. de Cantil Edward fil Odonis Quia Abraham Iudeus Berkhamsted clamat partem in debito quod continetur in cartae Johannis de Brabini confect inter ipsum Johannem et praedict Abraham et Mosseum Iudeum Hereford Mandatum est Cirographariis custodibus Archae Judaeorum Hereford quod praefata Carta per praefat Mosseum vel per alium nemini liberetur donec Rex aliud inde praeciperit Which shewes that one Jew could not discharge the debt due joyntly to him and another Jew but by the others consent In the 28 of H. 3. two Jews being wrongfully arrested for a Debt due by another the King sent this writ to discharge them and imprison the Jewess that owed it Rex Justic ad cust Iud. assignatis salutem Sciatis quod probatum fuit coram nobis apud Stanford quod Gentilla vidua Iudea de Stanford debet R. Com. Cornub. fratri nostro illas 13 lib pro quibus Coc. Samuelem Judeos de Stanford arrestari fecistis in villa praedict ita quod eam cap. et in prisona detineri praecipimus donec solverit pecuniam praedict Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praedict Coc. Samuel ceterosque omnes Iudeos de Stanford de praedict 13 lib. quietos esse faciatis T. Rege apud Not. 10 die July This year Aaron a Jew of York assigned a Debt of 500 l to the King in part of a debt which he owed the King which the King commanded Hugh Bygod who owed it in right of his wife to pay into the Exchequer And likewise commanded all the Jews to be removed out of Nuberry and Spenbamland by this writ Mandatum est Vic. Berks Quod Judeos qui manent in Villa de Nubury et in villa de Spenhamland remittat sine dilatione usque Winton et ibi maneant sicut prius solent nec de caetero maneant in Villis prae dictis T. R. apud Readings 27 die Decemb. A Jew accused for clipping and falsifying monies fled for refuge to the King who thus remanded him Rex W. de Ebor prepos Beverley Hen de Bath salutem Quia intelleximus quod vos mandaveritis Vic. nostro Hereford ad capiend Cok Judeum Hereford tanquam falsarium et retuntorem Denar et idem Judeus venit ad Curiam nostram apud Reading quaerens subterfugium captionis suae Nos ipsum Judaeum fecimus arrestari ad vos mittentes eundem ut vos super eo quod ei imponitur secundum quod videritis expedire faciatis T. R. apud Reading 12 die May. After which follows this record Rex W. de Havershull Thesaur suo et Constab suo London salutem Mandamus vobis quod Judeos assignatos ad custodiam catallorum debitorum quae fuerunt David Judei Oxon distringatis ita quod illi Judei qui manuceperunt finem 5000 marc quem Licoric quae fuit uxor praedict David fecit nobiscum pro habendis catallis et debitis ipsius David ut eum habeamus terminis assignatis de Tallagio Iudeorum nobis solvend et ipsam Licoric a prisona deliberari faciatis Ita tamen quod nullam habeat administrationem de catallis debitis praedictis ante instans festum Nativitatis beat Mariae donec post eundem festum vobis inde mandaverimus Et Sciatis quod remissimus Aaron Judeo Ebor. custodiam praedict
catallorum et debitorum pro fine quem propter fecit nobis et quae solvit in Garderoba nostra et loco ejus subrogavimus Bondum Judeum Cant. By which Record it is apparent That no Jews wife or other Jew could administer or meddle with her Husbands or Parents chattels or debts without paying a vast fine for them as here 500 marks and that at such time as the King assigned that the custody of their Goods and debts were in the mean time committed to other Iews to be responsible for them and that their persons were imprisoned and their administrations suspended if they failed in paying the fine at the termes appointed In the 29 of Hen. 3. the King sends writs to his Iustices for the custody of the Iews and to Sheriffs to levy the Debts due to him from the heirs of Hamond the Iew of Hereford and that Crespin a Iew should pay him 28 marks to be laid out in silk and cloth of gold for Westminster Church as his Alms. Mandatum est Baron de Scacc. et Iusticiariis ad custod Iudeorum assignatis quantum poterint apponant ut 4000 marc quae Regi debent Iudei ad hoc festum sancti Michaelis tunc omnibus modis solvantur Thesaur Camerar ad faciend inde quod Rex injunxerit et si forte in solutione earund 4000 marc defecerint ad terminum praedict tunc capiant aliquos de ditioribus Iudeis ut corpora eorum mittant ad R. usque Gannock non omittando illud pro aliquo custo et Rex illos faciet deliberari Iustic Hyberniae ducendos in Hyberniam et ibidem in prisona detinendos T. Rege apud Gannock in castris x. die Septem By which record it seems the Iews were taxed to pay 4000 marks at Michaelmas to the King and if they failed then some of the richest of them were to be seised on and sent prisoners to the King into his camp and from thence into Ireland and there imprisoned til it was all paid Such was the rigor then used in levying their heavy Taxes Another 4000 marks was then likewise to be paid by them at Christs Nativity the same year and commanded by this writ to be effectually levied by the Justices of the Jews Mandatum est Justic. ad custod Judaeorum assign quod sicut corpora et catalla sua diligunt et ab indempnitate et periculo maximo volunt conservari provideant quod 4000 marc quae Regi debentur de Judaismo reddendas citra festum Nativitatis Dom citra festum illud reddantur quia si in eorum solutione aliquis inveniatur defectus id solummodo negligentiae suae imputaretur T. Rege apud Woodstoke 4. die Dec. Mandatum est Thesaur et Camerar quod de illis 4000 m. deliberent Magistro Militis Templi in Anglia 2000 marc deponend in domo sua ad opus Comitissae Provinciae sicut alias eis mandat est de resid mille marc quantum se extendunt satisfaciant mercatoribus Vinorum et aliis de debitis in quibus Rex eis tenetur T. ut supra Ibidem Dorso 2. There is a command to the Justices of the Jews to respit a suit there pending against one Mansel by two Jews for 40 l. and an horse In this 29 year of Henry the 3. this writ was issued to the Justices of the Iews to proclaim in all Counties that no Iewes wife or childe should fly from nor obscure himself in the places he or they resided for one year then next ensuing and that they should be there readily found by the Kings Officers under pain that their husbands as also their wives and children should be outlawed banished and all their lands rents and chattels forthwith forfeited to the King and presently sold to his use and they banished never to return again into England without his special license Mandatum est Justiciariis ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatis quod statim visis Literis clamari faciant per omnes Comitatus Angliae ubi Judaei Regis sunt quod si aliqua Iudaea uxor alicujus Iudaei vel pueri sui diffugiant vel fugam capiant vel aliquo modo lateant a Villa ubi fuerint manentes ad festum Sancti Andreae Anno regni Regis 29 uâ—que in unum annum proximo sequentem Ita quod ad Summonitionem Regis vel Ballivorum suorum in quorum Ballivis ipsi fuerunt manentes prompti inveniri non possint quod vir ipsius Iudeae et etiam ipsa Iudaea et omnes pueri sui statim utlagentur et omnes terrae redditus et omnia catalla sua in manum Regis capiantur et incontinenti vendantur ad opus Regis Et quod de caetero non redeant in regnum Angliae sine speciali licentia Regis The King had then a design to tax all the Iewes wives and children by the poll which occasioned this strict proclamation that they might be alwayes ready to be polled and fleeced at his pleasure there being an heavy Tax then imposed on them In the same year and Roll this Precept was directed to Aaron the Iew of Yorke then taxed as it seems at one hundred pounds Mandatum est Aaroni Iudaeo de Ebor. quod sicut diligit corpus suum statim visis literis tradat latori illarum viginti marcas Regi deferendas de arreragiis centum librarum quas Regi solvisse debuit in festo Nativitatis Sanctae Mariae proximo praeterito Ita quod hoc quemlibet lateat praeter ipsum Aaronem et latorem supradictum Teste Rege apud Woodstock quinto die Decembris In the 30 of H. 3. I find these Records concerning the Jews Rex concessiit Iacobo fratri Elie le Eveske Judeo London pro laudabili servicio suo quod Regi et Reginae impendit sedendo a Scac. Judeorum domos quae fuerunt Iocei de Colecester Iudei Linc. in Oxon. quae devenerunt in manum Regis tanquam escaeta Regis tenendum tota vita ipsius Jacobi Reddendo inde singulis annis Conversis Lond. 10s viz. 5s ad fest St Mich. et 5s ad Pasch In cujus c. T. R. apud VVodestoke 10 die Sept. Et mandat est Vic. Oxon. quod de praedict domibus cum pertidentiis ei plenam seisinam habere faciat T. ut supra Pat. 30. H. 3. m. 7. The King agreed to receive a fine of 3000 l. of Masse son of Hamond a Jew of Hereford Pro habenbis catallis et bonis of his deceased Father to be paid at certain times part whereof is there assigned This year many Jews Men and women were accused and ordered to be tried for clipping of money as appears by Claus 30 H. 3. pars 1 m. 9. Mandat est Justiciariis ad custodiam Iudeorum assign quod Iudeos et Iudeas rectatos de retonsura denariorum venire faciant coram Justic de Banco Ita quod sint ibi in octabis S.
Johis Baptistae ad Iusticiam de ipsis faciendam Quia mandat est Iustic illis quod una cum t is ad hoc intendant Also Rex pardonavit Tho. de Pulton 8 lib. quas idem T. debet Mosseo Crespin Iudeo una cum omnibus usuris quae inde proveniant postquam eas ab eodem Iudaeo mutuaverat Et mandat est Baron de Scac. quod ipsum inde quietum esse et cartam suam pro praedicto debito impignoratam eidem Iudeo deliberari fac Et mandatum est Edwardo fil Odonis quod totam pecuniam suam quam rex eidem Tho. donat pro domibus suis occasione praedict debiti arrestatam ei deliberantur The King this year imposed a Tax of sixty thousand marks upon the Jews as appears by these seisures of their debts towards the payment thereof Mandat est Ed. fil Odonis c. quod solvat ad Scac. Regis 23 l. 5 s. 8 d. quas Tho. de Pulton debet Mossâ—o Crespin Iudeo in parte solutionis debitorum quae idem Iudeus reddere tenebatnr ad Pasche proximo preterit de portione tallag 60 mil. marc eundem Jud. contingent T. R. apud Wind. 4 die Iunii It seems part of this Tax or another was payable the next year by this Mandate Mandatum est Iusticiar ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis quod non distringant aut distringi permittant Aaron fil Abraham de tallagio 10 millium marc de termino sancti Michis An. r. n. 31 nisi pro 53 marc et dimid ipsi inde de eodem termino contingent T. R. apud Winds 23. die Augusti These tallages were usually imposed on the Jews in their absence being not privy thereto unlesse specially admitted as appears by this Record concerning the Iews of Canterbury who gave the King half a mark of gold that one of them might be present at the imposing of the next tax Quia Iudei Cantuarii dederunt dimid marc auri quam Regi prae manibus reddiderunt pro eo quod concederet eis quod unus Iudeus ejusdem villae Cantuar. intersit tallagio assidendo quod assideri debet apud Northamp Mandatum est Iusticiaris ad custod Iudeorum assignatis quod unam ex ipsis ad hoc eligi et dicto tallagio assidendo interesse faciant T. R. apud Feversham 20 die April Amongst the records in the Treasury of Receipts in the Exchequer I find this Inter Placita et Assis capt apud Northampton in crast Nativ Sancti Iohan. Baptistae Anno Regis Henrici c. 23. coram Rogero de Thâ—rkelby et sociis suis rot 38. Ivo fil Abraham de Stanford Iudeu rectatus de retonsura denariorum venit et dat Domino Regi 20s quod possit esse sub placito respondend ad preceptum Dom. Regis Plâ—gii sui Solomon fil Sancho fil Isaac Benioy fil Aaron de Stanford Whether he were condemned or acquitted for this his clipping of money for which he was then bailed I find not on Record In the 32 year of Henry the 3. I meet with these Records concerning the Jews Rex mandavit Justic ad custodiam Judaeorum assign quod non distringant vel distringi permittant Aaron fil Abrahami de Tallagio 60 millium marc pro duobus milibus marc de termino sancti Michis anno 32. nisi pro quinquaginta et tribus marcis et dimid ipsum inde de eodem termino contingentibus sicut ipse talliatus fuit ad pasch proximo preteritum Et si sorte ipsum ad plus talliaverint illud relaxari et super communitatem Judeorum assidi faciant Teste Rege apud Farendon 29 die Augugusti By which it appears the Jews were taxed at sixty thousand marks in this one year A vast sum in those dayes The same year the King grants respestum de quibuslibet veteribus debitis Iudei c. Particularly Rex dedit respectum Aaron Judeo Ebor. de centum libris quas Regi solvisse debuit ad scac Pasch anno regni Regis 32. usque ad quindenam paschae sancti Iohannis Baptistae anno eodem et mandatum est Baronibus de Scaccario quod respectum illum ei habere faciant T. R. apud Rading 17 die Maii. There is this record this year concerning the Jews of Canterbury Iudei Cantebr liberaverunt in Garderoba regis apud sanctum Edmundum die Lunae prox post cineres quinque Marc. de quibus praedicti Judei promiserunt regi respiciendas in adventu regis apud Cantebr Et mandat est Justic ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis quod pro predictis quinque marc ipsos Judeos non distringant Teste Rege apud Windesor primo die Maii. Mandar est c. quod distringi faciant terras quae fuerunt Mathei Peverel c. for a debt due to a Jew and to others to answer a debt to Aaron the Jew In the 33 of H. 3. I find these records concerning the Jews An Extent of Robert de Muntenay in Littlebar of a Jews land per Sacramentum proborum et legalium hominum extendi fac c. The King himself in that age appointed the Jews Bayliffs in the Eschequer as is evident by this record Mandatum est Justic ad custodiam Judeorum assign quod non permittant quod aliquis Judeus habeat aliquam Ballivam ad Scacc. Judeorum praeter Jacobum Episcopum Abrah fil Vines et Jacob fil Flurye et si Elyas Episcopus qui prius fuit ad dictum Scac. resideat ad idem Scac. per preceptum Regis tunc Rex vult quod recipiant Aaron fil Abraham tanquam socium suum T. R. apud Westm xi die Julii anno c. The King then likewise appointed the Clerks of the Jews Exchequer and the Cirographers of their publick Chests as this record doth manifest Rex vult quod Abraham fil Vines sit clericus Regis in Scac. suo Iudeorum et quod sit Cyrograph Archae Regis Cyrograforum Iudaeorum apud London loco Abrahamae fil Muriell Et ideo mandatum est Justic. ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis quod acceptis ab eodem Abrahamo fil Vines sufficientibus plegiis de fidelitate ipsum ad praemissa Officia admittant et clavem Archae Cirographorum quam Abraham fil Muriel habet eidem liberari faciant T. R. apud Westm xxix die Junii Rex vult quod Aaron fil Abraham Iudeus London resideat ad Scaccarium Regis Iudeorum tanquam Vines c. ut supra T. R. apud Winton 26 die Maii. The same year I find an Extent of John of Coniz of Brewineston his Land for a Debt to a Jew per sacram proborum et legalium hominum extendi fac c. T. R. apud VVestm 9 die Maii. The same year Aaron of Yorke agreed again with the King to pay a certain Tax to him yearly expressed in this Patent Rex omnibus
c. salutem Sciatis quod concessimus Aaroni filio Abrahami Iudeo quod sicut talliatus fuit ad decem octo libras coram Nobis ad terminum Sancti Michaelis Anno c. 33. sic tallietur ad quatuor Annos sequentes ad triginta et sex libras singulis annis praedictorum quatuor annorum videlicet ad festum Paschae Anno c. 34 to ad 18 libras et ad festum Sancti Michaelis proximo sequens ad 18 libras et sic DE ANNO IN ANNUM ad eosdem terminos ad 36 libras Ita quod post praefatum terminum praedictorum quatuor annorum ad majorem pecuniae summam modo talliatur In cujus c. Teste Rege apud VVindsore 21 die Sept. In the Fine Rolls of this year I find these Passages relating to the Jews who all joyntly and severally made great fines to the King this year particularized in the Fine rolls what sum every Jew whose name is there entred at large was to pay to the King whereof take this brief account of some few as a pattern of all the rest Mandatum est Vic. Kanc. quod si Judei Cantuar. invenerint securitatem sufficientem de 7 l. 8 s. 8 d. de novo Tallagio super eos assesso de 11 l. 17 s. 5 d. de veteri Tallagio super eos assesso ad aurum Regi inde emendum unde alias recepit mandatum Regis ita quod pecuniam illam habeat in manu sua quod inde Regi respondere possit ad Scacc. Regis in Crastino Sancti Michaelis tunc praefatos Judeos permittat in pace ita quod eos non distringat pro aliquo alio Tallagio donec aliud a Rege acceperit in mandatis T. R. apud Merton 12 dâ—e Sept. Mandat est Vic. Ebor. quod sicut seipsum diligit habeat ad Scac Regis in Octabis Sancti Michaelis de Aaron de Ebor. Judeo de novo Tallagio super eum assesso 16 l. 11 s. Et de eodem de veteri Tallagio super eum assesso unde Vic. alias recepit mandatum Regis 26 l. 7 s. et de caeteris Judeis Civitatis Ebor. de noâ—o Tallagio 14 l. 11 s. et de eisdem de veteri Tallagio unde Vic. alias recepit mandat Regis 23 l. 7 s. ad aurum Reg. inde emendum T. ut supra Eodem modo scribitur de Iudaeis Exon de Tallag Vic. Devon De Iudeis Bedford Merlebr Bristoll Warw. Glocest Cantebr London Norwic. Colecester Winton Wigorn Hereford Oxon Nottingh Northampton Lincoln and other Towns and to their respective Sheriffs to levy the particular sums both of the New and Old Tallage forementioned there specified in like manner as to the Sheriff of Yorke which particulars fill up an whole roll well nigh In the same Roll the King respites Jacobus Le Eveske a Jew and Flora his daughter a fine of 45 l. 6 s. 8 d. pro Relevio et aliis finibus and sundry other Jews there named paid the like Fines pro Relevio upon their Parents deaths to injoy their estates to be paid at certain times there limited into the Exchequer Et mandatum est Baron de Scac. et Justic ad custod Judeorum assignatis quod sic fieri et irrotulari faciant T. R. apud Guldeford 13 die Sept. The like Fines for relief pro terris catallis Patris eorum ratione relevii Regi contingentibus paid by sundry Iews I meet with in 34 H. 3. and many Fine Rolls else throughout his reign and in Edward the 1. which I pretermit it being entred of some Dederunt Regi 20 s. auri or some other sum of gold prae manibus In 34 H. 3. There was a tax of ten thousand marks imposed on the Jews and this composition made between the King and Salmon Bishop a Jew concerning it future Taxes thus entred in the Fine roll of that year Rex concessit Salmoni Episcopo Judeo London quod de Tallagio 10 mil. marc per annum sit ad 20 l. dum Tallagium Judeorum sit in tali statu et si crescat Tallagium Judeorum crescat ejus portio quae ipsum continget de Tallagio praedicto et si decrescatur simili modo Ita tamen quod si tota Communitas Judeorum Regi gravetur de Tallagio praedicto aut summa X. millium marc debeat decrescere eo quod idem Salmon est ad talem summam respondeat at idem Iudeus ad liberatum librae suae de praedict 20 l. sicut alii Judei faciunt in tallagio suo Et reddat Regi praedict 20 lib. annuatim ad duos terminos viz. 10 l. ad Scac. S. Michaelis 10 l. ad Scac. Paschae Et mandatum est Iusticiariis ad custod Iud assignatis quod sic fieri et irrotulari faciant et pro licentia concessionis dedit Regi unam marcam auri T. R. apud Wyndes 1. die Octob. et habet inde Literas Patentes per eadem verba The like compositions were made with the King by Aaron of York and many other Jews in this and other years In the 34 year of King H. 3. I find this recital in a writ That the King by the long received custome of the Realm ought to succeed the Iews themselves in all houses and other Lands which they should purchase within the realme upon their deaths outlary or departure hence and that he might grant them to whom he pleased as well as tax them and seise their goods at his pleasure Rex Vicecomiti Norff. salutem Licet de consuetudine longeva dicatur obtentum in regno nostro quod Nos in Domibus et aliis quas acquisiverint Iudaei in regno nostro succedere debeamus ipsis Iudaeis aures tamen nostras precibus Edmundi Kake de Norwic. Capellani misericorditer inclinantes concessimus eidem Edmundo de gratia nostra quod non obstante consuetudine praedicta habeat Messuagium illud in Norwic de quo nuper seisinam fieri fecimus Magistro Benedicto et quod Seigumet Iudaeus utlagatus tenuit de praedicto Edmundo in eadem villa de Norwic. Et ideo tibi praecipimus quod eidem Edmundo de praedicto messuagio sine dilatione plenam seisinam habere facias T. R. apud Clarendon 13 die Decembris In the same roll I find a writ to attach both the body and goods of a Jew and to bring them both before the Justices assigned for the Iews Mandatum est Vicecomiti Dorset quod habeat coram Iusticiariis regis ad Custodiam Iudeorum assignatis apud Westm in Crastino Sanctae Mariae Magdalenae corpus Solomonis Iudei de Dorcestria cum omnibus catallis ipsius Iudaei sub sigillo suo T. R. apud Merleberge 21 die Junii In the Patent roll of this year the King granted this License to the Masters of the Law of the Commonalty of the Jews in London to excommunicate
such Jews as refused to contribute that subsidy they had promised towards the sustaining of their common Churchyard in London whom they could not excommunicate without his leave Rex Iusticiariis suis ad Custodiam Iudaeorum assignatis salutem Sciatis quod concessimus Iudaeis nostris London quod Magistri legis eorundem Iudaeorum in Ciuitate London promulgare possint summam Excommunicationem in omnes illos Iudaeos qui subsidium aliquod promiserunt ad Cimiterium London sustinendum et illud non solverint Ita quod Nos non alii de Judaeis excommunicatis sufficientes emendas recipiamus T. R. 28 Die Julii In the 35 of Henry 3. there are these records touching the Jews Mandatum est Philippo Luvel et Sociis suis Justiciariis Judaeorum sicut alias Quod de Tallagio X. milium Marcarum assesso super Communitatem Iudaeorum Angliae faciant habere Reginaldo de Salinis 40 libras ad terras inde emendas ad opus suum vel ad commodum suum alio modo faciendum prout sibi viderit expediri etillas in eodem Tallagio faciendo allocari Communitati praedictae Et Rex bene vult quod eadem 40 l. Ricardo de Salinis allocantur in debitis quod debet in Judaismo pro eodem Reginaldo dum tamen idem Reginaldus securus sit de protione sua T. R. apud Wherewell 25 die Maii. Per ipsum Regem The wives and children of the Jews oft times used to be distrained and imprisoned for their Debts as appears by this record to respite such proceedings against them for a time Anno 35. H. 3. Mandatum est Vic. Devon quod non distringat nec distringi permittat uxorem Boneufaunt Judei Exon. vel pueros suos per corpora sua ipsos imprisonando occasione alicujus debiti seu demandae tangentis ipsum Boneufaunt de fine 100 marc auri quia Rex vult ipsam Iudeam cum predictis pueris suis esse in pace usque ad octabis Sti. Mich. prox futuri Et si ipsos imprisonavit eos interim deliberari faciat T. R. apud Windsore 2 die Septemb. per ipsum regem This year there was a tax of 10000 marks imposed on the Iews as is evident by Pat 35. H. 3. pars 2. m. 4. De tallagio Iudeorum assidendo for assessing it and this Precept concerning it Mandatum est Baron de Scac. ad custodiam Iudeorum assignatis quod provideant etâ—ordment inter se qualiter illa 10 millia marc quae regi debentur de Tallagio Iudeorum regi persolvi possint And in the same membrana there is this command to buy gold with the Jews money for the Kings use Mandat W. de Hoverhull Thes reg Edward de Westm et Phil. Luvell quod de omnibus denariis de Judaismo provenientibus aurum ad opus regis emi faciant sicut rex eidem Philippo dudum injunxit et sicut T. Espernon eis exponet ex parte regis T. R. What great sums of gold the King received of some Iews this year to be exempted from taxes paying set rates for 4 years space will appear by this record Mandatum est Justiciariis ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis quod illas 10 mil. marcas auri quas Elias Judeus London regi dedit pro sic quod a festo St. Mich. An. 34. usque in quatuor annos prox sequentes completos non talliaretur nisi ad centum libr. per annum dum Tallagium regis duraret eidem inde proximis terminis suis Tallagii sui fac allocari Ita quod de cetero respondeat in tallagio suo Judeorum secundum facultates suas sicut rex alias eis mandavit non obstanre gratia regis quam ei concesserit pro donatione predicti auri T. R. apud Clarendon 10 die Iuuii Consimiles literas habet Aaron fil Abrah Judeus London de 25 marc auri allocari ut supra continetur eisdem Justic directas T. ut supra per ipsum regem Et quia Aaron de Ebor. affirmavit coram rege quod predict aurum prefatis Aaron et Eliae alia vice per mandatum Regis de quo Rex non recolit fuit allocatum Mandat est prefatis Justic quod super hoc regem fine dilatione certificent Scituri quod dictus Aaron Regi promisit 200 marc argenti nisi predicta summa auri praedictis Iudeis per regem fuit allocata in Tallagio suo T. R. c. per ipsum regem The King this year allows a Jew to sue for the remainder of a debt which the King had pardoned and the Bond to be taken out of the Chest by this Writ Rex Justic ad custod Iudeorum assign Cum nullus Iudeus debeat plac de Cirograf in Archa Iudeorum inventa et catal Abr. de Berchanster quae capta fuerunt in manum nostram ex toto credebamus ad opus nostrum retinere quoruÌ„ residuuÌ„ ad petitionem R. Com. Cornub. eidem remissimus licet alias dederimus vobis in mandatis quod in quiraretis per sacr legal hominum qualem summam pecuniae Galfr. Mansell de dicto Abr. recepit et dict G. de usuris forte solum quietum remaneret Volumus tamen cum dictus Iudeus residuum catallorum suorum recuperaverit quod dict G. distringi faciatis ad plenam solutionem totius residui dicto Iudeo faciend secundum formam Cyrogr. sui Et ideo vobis mandamus quod sic fieri et irro ulari fac Ita quod dictus Iudeus totam summam in parte sua Cyrogr. contentam cum debito integre possit recuperare Et licet Cyrogr. alias per preceptuâ— nostrum ab Archa sit extract hoc facere non omittatis T. apud Harding 25. die August The Jews in that age could not without the Kings special license remove themselves or goods from one City to another and acquainting the Justices assigned for the Jews of his royal pleasure therein and were enforced to give security for one another to pay their Taxes to the King as this record of 36 H. 3. will evidence Rex concessit Iacobo filio Boneufaunt Judeo quod libere recedat a Villa Gloucestriae et moram facere in civitate London Et quia idem Judeus fecit regi securitatem per Iacobum le Eveske Iudeorum de tallagio suo ad quod tallietur ad festum sancti Martini regi reddendo Mandatum est Vicecom Glouc. quod ad ipsum aut ad familiam suam aut catalla sua manum non apponat sed ipsum cum omnibus praedictis a Villa Gloucestriae libere recedere permittat Teste Rege apud Woodstoke 19 die Augusti per ipsum regem Et mandatum est Iusticiariis ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis quod ipsum inter Iudeos regis in civitate praedicta manere permittant Teste ut supra Mandatum est eisdem quod faciant habere Iacobo le Eveske
Iudeo residentiam in Scaccario Judeorum in servicio regis et quod ad ipsum pertinet secundum legem Scaccarii regis sicut et predecessores sui clerici regis ibidem habere consueverunt Teste ut supra per R. Waker The Iews could not then reside nor enjoy any office in the Iews Exchequer without the Kings special grant and license Neither could they sue for any debt especially upon an Obligation out of their common Chest without the Kings expresse license and grant Witnesse the president in the self same Roll and others forecited King Henry in the 36 of his reign granted by Patent to Aaron of York Elye le Eveske de London and Solomon le Eveske that for 4 years next ensuing they should not be taxed above set summes a year there mentioned to be paid half yearly by them into the Exchequer and that their set sums should be allowed in the original taxes assessed upon the commonalty of the Jews and be abated proportionably as their tax was abated Yea he granted this exemption to Aaron his Wife children not to be distrained and imprisoned for their debts or taxes so long as he had goods to satisfie them and to sue for goods and debts though out of the chest Rex omnibus salutem Sciatis quod concessimus Aaron de Ebor. Iudeo nostro quod nec ipse nec uxor ejus nec eorum pueri distingantur per corpora sua nec imprisonentur quamdiu catalia sua sufficiant ad districtionem faciend pro debitis nostris In cujus c. duratur per biennium T. R. apud VVestm 15 die Marcii Et mandat est Iustic ad custodiam Iudaeorum assign quod sic fieri et irrotulari faciant T. ut supra per Regem Rex omnibus c. Sciatis quod concessimus Aaron de Ebor. Iudeo nostro quod possit placitare coram Iustic nostris ad cust Iud. assign pro catallis et debitis suis recuperandis et ea petere sine occasione usque ad summam 400 lib. sine receptione Usurae licet catalla illa et debita fuerunt extra Archam Cyrogr. In cujus c. T. ut supra The like License to sue for Debts and Chattels out of the Chest to such a summe sine receptione Usurae I finde granted this year to Copin a London Jew to other Jews the same year with a writ to deliver a Jew out of prison committed upon a false complaint and this pardon of two Jews wives for flying to avoid imprisonment for their husbands taxes Rex pardonavit Floriae uxori Elye Blundi et Pigonae uxori Aaron Blundi Wayneriam quam meis Justiciariis promulgarunt pro fuga quam fecerunt pro Tallio super praedict Elye et Aaron assesso et mandat est praedict Justic quod praedict Floria et Pygona propter hoc non occasionentur T. R. apud Windsore 12 die Feb. Per ipsum Regem There was likewise this year a precept to the Iustices to give a Jews wife her full and reasonable dower of her husbands chattels Mandatum est Iusticiariis ad custod c. quod si Rosa quae fuit uxor Leonis Epi Iudei Ebor. nondum plenè habuit Dotem suam de catallis quae fuerunt ejusdem Leonis tunc eidem Iudeae plenam et rationabilem dotem suam habere faciant secundum legem et consuetudinem Judaismi Regis T. R. Per ipsum Regem This year the King assigned certain Jews of London to tax the rest of the Jews upon a common tax then imposed on them in this manner Rex assignavit Eliam Epis et Aaron fil Abrah Iudeos London ad assidend Tallagium super Communitate Iudeorum nostrorum London it a videlicet quod communitas illa eligat ipsis tercium idoneum ad Tallagium illud una cum dictis Eli Aaron assidend Et mandat est Constabul Turris London quod ipsum tercium sic electum eis faciat associari firmiter injungendo eis quod taliter ipsi provideant de Tallagio illo assidendo quod Rex illud terminis Statutis habeat et quod pro defectu eorum non oporteat regi graviter se capere ad Talliatores praedictos Teste per Philip Luvel It seems this tax then assessed amounted to 3500 marks by this ensuing record that year Rex Iustic ad custod Jud c. Sciatis quod Manuel Blund Judeus obtulit nobis dimid marc auri ut de Tallagio 3 mill marc et 500 marc talliaretur secundum catalla sua sicut ceteri Iudei de Communitate London talliantur Et ideo vobis mandamus quod si judicetis hoc esse ad commodum nostrum sic fieri faciatis T. R. How strictly this tax was levied appears by this writ to destrain the Lands Revenues wives children and chattels of all the Jews in York and for the arrears of Aaron too notwithstanding his former exemption Mandat est Vic. Ebor quod distringat Aaron de Ebor Iudeum et omnes alios Judeos Ebor. per terras et tenementa catalla uxores et filios et omnibus aliis modis quibus melius poterit ad reddend Regi Tallagium suum de terminis Sancti Martini et St. Hillarii prox preteritis et id sicut seipsum diligit non omittat T. R. apud Notingh 14 die Ian. I find a Precept of the King this year to detein a convert Jew in prison accused of a Rape and other Trespasses such Converts were they then Mandatum est Vic. Linc. quod M. conversum commorantem apud Tornie capiat et in prisona Regis salvo custodiat donec c. per Orfanna de Geterleg apellat de raptu et pace Regis fracta T. R. And this year Edw. de Westm Will. de Bretun Tho Espernun assignati sunt ad Inquisuionem fac de concelamentis Iudaismi tam in London quam alibi Anno 37 H. 3. The Jews advancing 5000 marks to the King beforehand for his passage into Gascoigne he thereupon made this Grant to them to be exempted from taxes till Easter and granted them writs in form of appeal if over-taxed witness this record Rex concessit omnibus Iudeis Angliae quod pro 4000 marc quas regi praemanibus ad passagium suum in Vascon pacaverint et pro 1000 marc quas Regi Ric. Com. Cornub. ad dictum passagium pro eis solvit quod sint quieti de Tallagio facto ad passagium regis in Vascon pro pred 5000 marc et quod non tallientur citra Pasche et omnes Iudei qui utlagati sunt pro dicto Tall. si placare voluerint quod debeant de dicto Tall. Rex concedit eis quod ad pacē Regis veniant Rex tamen vult quod nullū Breve allocationis valeat alicui Iudeo in isto Tallagio quia R. Com. Cornubiae 1000 marc de dicto Tallagio habere debet Rex etiam vult
send the Chest of the Iews of Lincoln to London belike for the same crucifying of this child Mandat est Vic. Linc. quod statim visis literis istis mittat usque London Archam Cirogr Lincoln sub salva custodia liberand Ph. Luvel Thesaur Regis et Justic ad custodiam Iud assignatis et quod venire fac ibidem cum eadem Archa omnes Cyrographarios ejusdem Villae tam Christianos quam Iudaeos et hoc non omittat This year the King ordained a New Justice for the Iews who took an Oath of Fealty to the King due to his Office and was formally invested in the place as this record relates Rex constituit Adam de Greenvile Iusticiarium suum Iudaeorum et ab eo recipit Sacramentum fidelitatis Regi debitum pretextu officii sui Et mandat est Phil. Luvel Thesaurar regis c. quod ipsum in locum suum tanquam Iustic Regis in Scac Iudaeorum sine dilatione ponant T. R. per R. Walis Cok. fil Aaron Iudeus London cum instantia supplicavit regi Quod super Fine quem nuper fecit coram Philip. Luvel Thes et Henrico de Bathon ad opus regis pro 20 marc auri eidem Iudeo literae Patentes fieri fac Et mandatum est eisdem Philipâ—o et Ric quod formam Literarum Patent quas pred Judeus inde habere debet ad terminos solucionis ejusdem auri sub sigillis suis significent ut Rex literas illas eidem Judâ—o fieri et consignari faciat T. R. apud Clarend 3 die Iulii It seems these Justices directed all the Iews Patents of this nature In the 41 year of King Henry the 3d. Elyas Bishop the High Priest of the Iews as Mat. Paris stiles him for a certain Transgression against the King and his Brother King of Almaine was judicially deprived of his High-Priesthood and Priestly Office by the judgement of the Kings Justices assigned for the custody of the Jews in the Exchequer and of all his other Offices formerly granted him by the King and that he should never be capable to receive or execute these Offices again whereupon the King for a Fine of 3 marks of gold paid by the Commonalty of the Jews granted unto them by his Charter that from thenceforth none should be their Priest but by the common election of the said Commonalty of the Jews and that upon the death of every Priest they should have free Liberty to chuse another Priest and of presenting him to the King that he might obtain his assent and favour therein as this memorable record informs us wherein the names of the Justices assigned to the Iews are specified Rex omnibus c. Cum Elyas Episcopus Iudaeus noster London pro transgressione quam fecit 〈◊〉 Nobis quam dilecto fratri nostro Regi Almannorum a sacerdotio communitatis â—udaeorum Augliae coram dilectis fidelibus nostris Philippo Ballet Philippo Luvel Henrico de Bathonia Simon Passelew caeteris Iusticiariis ad custodiam Iudeorum assignatis quos ad Transgressionem Uam convincendam Iusticiarios nostros assignavimus Per Iudicium eorundem ad Scaccarium nostrum Fuerit abjudicatus et de ejusdem Sacerdotii Officio et eâ—iam de omni 〈…〉 officiis et Ballivis quas a Nobis prius obâ—inuit sit depositus Nos de consilio erundem Iusticiariorum concessimus praedictae Communitati Iudeorum nostrorum Angliae per finem trium marcarum auri quem Cresse et Haginus fratres ejusdem Iudaei nobis pro eadem Communicate fecerunt quod praedictus Elyas Sacerdotium illud nunquam in posterum habeat et recuperet Et quod nullus de Communitate illa de caetero sit Sacerdos nisi per communem Electionem Communitatis ejusdem Quod illa Communitas post decessum cujuslibet Sacerdotis sic electi alium eligendi quemcunque voluerint Sacerdotem liberam habeat facultatem ac ipsum Nobis praesentandi ut nostrum super hoc assensum optineat et favorem In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Wodstoke 20 die Iulii I observe in this Record that Elyas is stiled only Sacerdos not Presbyter Judeorum his only Priestly office called Sacerdotium communitatis Angliae Sacerdotii officium not Presbyteratus omnium Judeorum totius Angliae as Jacobs and Aarons forementiontioned Offices are And he that should succeed him by common election is still here stiled Sacerdos Sacerdotis Sacerdotem thrice together not Presbyter at all Therefore certainly these offices were distinct the one ecclesiastical the other temporal in the Exchequer only as I formerly manifested What Elias his offence was for which he was thus deprived of his Priesthood is not expressed in the record but most probably it was his stout bold speech to the King Earl Richard and the Lords in behalf of the Jews â—he year before when they exacted an intollerable tax from them under pain of a most loathsom prison hangiug and an ignominious death recorded at large by Matthew Paris and in the first part of my Demurrer which I shall not repeat What power the King and his Justices then had over their Iewish Bishop Priests themselves is sufficiently evident by this Record In the Rolls of 41 H. 3. I find the King at the intercession of his Brother King of Romans acquitting Cresse and two other Iews of London for 5 compleat years then next ensuing Ab omnibus Tallagiis auxiliis ad Nos pertinentibus pro una marca auri et dimid to be paid by each of them yearly into the Wardrobe And at the instance of the Queen he granted this exemption Iacobo le Eveske Judeo and to his Son Benedict after his death Quod toto tempore vitae suae quietus esset de omnibus Tallagiis auxiliis et aliis demandis ad nos pertinentibus pro 5 marc argenti nobis annuatim reddend ad Scac. nostrum salvo tamen nobis haeredibus nostris misericordias in quas inciderit pro forisfacto aliquo personam suam tangente Likewise he granted by Patent to Cok. a Jew licence to sue for his fathers debts for which he paid a fine to the King and to extend his Debtors lands for the debts sine aliqua usura Yea I find this pardon of an Outlawry to a Jewesse the same year Rex omnibus c. Sciatis quod per finem quem Roesia Crespin Iudea London fecit nobiscum remissimus ei vtlagariam in ipsam promuigatam et malas occasiones pro eo quod ipsa non venit ad mandatum nostrum Et ideo vobis mandamus quod ipsam contra hanc concessionem nostram non vexatis In cujus c. Teste R. apud Winton 4 die Novembris This strange Precept was sent the Constable of the Tower not to bail the Jews upon any Justices Precept Mâ—ndat est Constab Turris London quod nec Vic. nec Judeum vel Judeam arrest
irrotulari faciant et ea quae ibid. invenient Regi constare faciant In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 5. die Nov. Anno 44 H. 3. Cok and his Brother two Jews having four years before made a fine of 2000 marks in silver for the goods of their Father except the Chattels the Queen would take for her gold c. The King granted them for a fine to pay the arears of the 2000 mark at certain times and in the mean time to be freed from all Taxes unless only for their own proper goods as appears by a special Patent part of which monyes they were to pay and paid in gold into the Wardrobe This year there issued a Precept to seize and levy all the Jews Debts Mandatum est Justic ad custod Iud. assignatis quod omnia debita tam ea quae sunt in Thesaur Judaismi Regis quaÌ„ ea quae manent in summonitione contenta in rotulis Scacc. Iudeorum quae scil debita excedunt 20 mar liberent sine dilatione The saurario et Baronibus de Scac. ponend in summonitionem ibidem retentis tamen penes ipsis Iustic transcriptis eorundem T. R. apud S. Paulum London 9. die Maii Per H. le Bygod Anno 45 H. 3. The King at the Queens Petition granted Solomon Eveske of London to be free from all Taxes for two years he also issued forth these Letters Patents to search inroll and inquiâ—e after all Jews debts pawns estates c. Rex Vic. Constabular Castrorum Majoribus Ballivis Cirographr et omnibus Ministris suis de Wilton Merleberge Glouc. Bristol Exon et omnibus aliis presentes Literas inspecturis salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus Magist Robert de Meleel et Radul de Hocest ad Archas Citogr Judaeorum aperiendas et scrutandas et ad omnia debita in eisdem inventa irrotulanda et ad inquirend omnibus modis quibus melius viderint expedire de bonis et catallis praed Judeorum mobilibus et immobilibus extra Archas viz. quantum singuli habeant in auro et argento vadiis jocalibus terris redditibus et omnibus rebus aliis in quorum manibus vel custodiis fuerint et devenerint tam in Civitatibus Villis domibus religiosis quam ab omnibus locis aliis ut de predict debitis et catallis et eorum quantitate certificari possumus Et ideo vobis mandamus quod ad omnia praedicta exequenda et expedienda predicto Roberto et Radul sit is intendentes consulentes et auxiliantes in omni forma quam vobis dicent et injungent ex parte nostra In cujus c. T. R. apud Turr. London 16 die Iulii Consimiles Literas Pat. habet Simon Passelewe Archis Winton Oxon. Bed Northam Georgius de Dover Willielmus Hamselbech apud Cant. Essex Norff Suff. et Canteb Roger de la Lye apud Stanford Lincoln Not et Ebor. de Hereford Warwicke Wigorn. This year the King granted this Patent of Safe conduct for a time to Solomon a Jew who had abjured the realm to return for a season for his special service Rex omnibus c. salutem Licet Solomon le Eveske Judeus abjâ—ravit regnum nostrum tamen quia inter homines terrae pro quibusdam negotiis nos specialiter tangentibus in Angl revertat concessimus ei quod salvo et secure venire possit in regnum nostrum Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Judeo in veniendo morando ceu recedendo malum non inferatis vel inferri permittatis impedimentum dampnum vel gravamen Et si quid c. In cujus c. Duratatur usque ad Festum Sancti Trin. prox futur T. R. apud Turrim London 16 die April This year the Wardens and Constable of the Tower of London claimed this priviledge by prescription that they ought to have the atachment imprisonment of all Jews Jewesses of London and other places and of all Christians and Jews that were to be attached or imprisoned by the judgement of the Justices and Exchequer of the Iews for any matters concerning Judaisme and likewise to hold Plea in the Tower of all Debts of Iews under 40 s. which priviledge the King allowed and commanded to be observed by this Writ Rex Justic suis ad custod Iud. assign salutem Quia Custodes et Constab Turris nostrae London semper habere consueverunt omnia attachiamenta tam Iudeorum quam Iudearum Lâ—ndon quam aliorum Iud nostrorum forinsecorum et etiam imprisonamentum tam Christianorum quam Iudeorum quos occasione Iudaismi Prisonae nostrae contigerit adjudicari vel per preceptum nostrum vel per considerationem Scac. nostri Judeorum Quia etiam predicti Custodes et Constab tenere consueverunt placita inter Christianos et Iudeos de vadiis usque ad summam 40 s. Providimus volumus quod de cetero sic fiet in omnibus Et ideo vobis mandamus quod omnes tam Christianos quam Judeos quos contigerit per preceptum nostrum vel considerationem praedicti Scac. nostri Iudeorum caâ—cerali custodia ratione Judaismi quoquo modo committi eos liberari faciatis Constab Turris nostrae et per ipsos et Ministros suos praedict faciatis attachiamenta de Judeis et placita vadiorum teneri sicut praedict est Ita quod nullus nisi Constabularius predict Turris nostrae de caetero se intromittat de hujusmodi attachiamentis vel imprisonamentis vel placitis vadiorum praedict Et hoc faciatis firmiter teneri et observari T. R. apud Sanctum Paulum London 26 die Maii. Which record fully sets forth the Iurisdiction of the Keepers and Constable of the Tower of London over the Jews persons and affairs in that age Rex Iustic ad Custod c. Monstravit nobis Cresse Iudeus de Wilton qui decimo anno preterito finem vobiscum fecisset per aurum ad opus nostrum ut sine occasione implacitare posset coram vobis Galf. de Winelesford de debitis quae ei debet extra Archam JudaeoruÌ„ quod idem Galf. recognovisset coram vobis se debere praefato Iudeo X. libr attamen quidam prefat Iudeo invidentes ipsum super dicto debito fraudulenter et maliciose inquietare et molestare nituntur Et ideo vobis mandamus quod si scrutatis rotulis Scac. nostri Judeorum inveneritis ipsum Judeum finem predict fecisse tunc finem illum secundum irrotulat praedict et consuetudinem Judaismi nostri remanere fac sine occasione T. R. apud Windes 5. die Febr. The King wanting present moneys this year sent forth this writ Quia Rex plurimum indiget ad praesens pecunia Mandat est Justic ad custod Iudeorum assignat quod omnes denarios de Judaismo regis quos reservant ad aurum inde emend ad opus Regis sine dilatione liberent in Garderoba Regis Aberico de
are 3 more the like Writs this year The King by his Charters this year granted sundry fees and annuities of several Iews by their assents specified in their Charters in which several persons were obliged by their Charters to these Iews and their heirs unto Robert Walerand Habend tenend eidem Roberto haeredibus suis libere quiete integre in pace sine reclamatione nostri haeredum nostrorum Iudeorum praedictorum in perpetuum secundum tenorem praedict Cartarum c. Dat. per manum nostram apud Westm 2 die Febr. King Henry in the 47 year of his reign confirmed Prince Edwards grant of the Iews to whom he formerly assigned them unto the Caturcensian Merchants to whome the Iews and Judaisme were morgaged for moneys advanced on them by this Patent Rex universis ad quos c. salutem Cum Edwardus noster dilectus Primogenitus ex praecepto assessu et voluntate nostra concesserit tradiderit insolutum Petro Ceraudo Willo Bernand frarribus pro seipsis eorum sociis civibus et Mercatoribus Caturcens pro mutuo per Dom. Edwardum ab eisdem Mercatoribus habito recepto London pro negotiis ipsius Edwardi regn nostri gravibus arduis totum Iudaismum nostrum ipsius regni nostri cum Scac. ejusdem Iudaismi et omnibus et singulis aliis proventibus et exitibus ceterisque ad idem Iudaismum spenctantibus Habend et tenend a die confectionis instrumenti interdict Edwardum et prefatos mercatores super dicto mutuo confecto usque ad quindenam sancti Iohis Baptistae Anno Dom. 1265. Prout in instrumento praedicto Patente seu literis dicti Edwar. quod seu quas eidem Mercatores penes se habent plenius continetur Nos praedict concessionem et traditionem ratas habentes et gratas eisdem praedict mercatoribus pro nobis et haeredibus nostris inviolabiter concedimus ac etiam in omnibus confirmamus Promittentes nos praedict concessionem et traditionem prout in praenominato instrumento seu literis sunt contentae warrantizare protegere seu defendere contra omnes pro nobis et heredibus nostris In cujus rei testimonium has literas nostras eisdem Mercatoribus fieri fecimus patentes Dat apud London 11 die Iunii An. r. n. 47. his Testibus Dom. Rico. rege Aleman fratre nostro Humfred de Bohun Com. Heresord et Essex Tho. Basset Justic nostr Angl. Hugh le Bygod Iohn Mansel Thes Ebor. Rob. Waller Ebulone de Montibus Petro de Essevel et aliis This year some Iews were indicted before the Justices itinerant and imprisoned and outlawed for receiving stollen goods as this Record informs us to stop the Utlawry Rex Vic. Sussex salutem Cum Manuel de Maford et Jacob fil Benedict Iudei nuper indictati coram Iustic nostris ultimo itinerantibus in com tuo de receptamento latrocinium se reddiderunt ad prisonam nostram parati inde secundum legem consuetudinem regni nostri stare juri tibi preceptum fuit ab eisdem Iustic nostris ipsos de Comitatu in comit propter contumaciam suam exigi praeter modum utlagari Tibi praecipimuâ— quod ab utlagaria in ipsos promulgata desistas bona eorundem Iudeorum ad opus nostrum reservari salvo custodiri fac donec aliud inde tibi praecipimus Teste Rege apud Westm 14 die Febr. King Henry Anno 48. made this Proclamation to prevent all violence against the Jews in VVinton and other places and preserve them theirs under his peace and protection as well as his other subjects threatning losse of life and Member to all such as should hurt or molest them as this Patent manifests committing them to the protection of 26 of the chief Citizens of Winchester by this Patent Rex Willo Fromund and to 25 more there named Civibus suis Winton salutem Cum divina cooperante gratia Pax in regno nostro ordinata sit firmata et ubique per ipsum regnum proclamata ac de consilio Baronum nostrorum provisum sit et ex parte nostra et ipsorum publice sit inhibitum ne quis sub poena exhaeredationis et periculo vitae et membrorum super aliquem currat nec homicidia vel incendia de predationes vel roberias seu alia hujusmodi faciat enormia nec cuiquam damnum inferat contra pacem nostram Cumque Judeos nostros Winton in nostram defensionem et protectionemspecialem suscepimus una cnm familiis rebus et omnibus possessionibus suis et ad tuitionem et majotem securitatem eorum vos de consilio Baronum nostrorum ad custodiam ipsorum Judeorum assignavimus Vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quatenus per totam Civitatem praedict ex parte nostra et Baronum nostrorum praedict publice proclamari et firmiter inhiberi faciatis ne quis sub periculo vitae et membrorum praedictis Judeis vel suis familiis in personis vel rebus suis inferat dampnum molestiam vel gravamen Et vos ipsi Judeos ipsos familias suas res terras et omnes possessiones eorum infra praedictam civitatem et extra quantum in vobis est manuteneatis protegatis et defendatis talem ad hoc diligentiam apponentes quod vos inde merito commendare possumus Teste Rege apud St. Paulum London 14 die Iunii The King by the like Letters Patents committed the Jews of Nothampton to 26 Burgesses of the Town to be garded and protected by them whose names are specified in the Patent which recites Cum propter turbationem nuper habitam in regno nostro et maxime propter conflictum nuper habitum apud Northampt. Judei Northampt. ad cast fugerunt ibidem pro timore moram hactenus fecerunt Castrum illud exire non audentes de quo jacturam non modicam jam incurrimus ac sedata turbatione praedicta et inspirante gratia divina pax inter Nos et Barones nostros ordinata sit ac firmata ac in regno nostro publice proclamata propter quod de consilio nostro providimus quod eidem Judei redeant in villam prxdict ibidem moraturi sicut prius morari consueverunt Ac etiam ad tuitionem et majorem securitatem eorundem vos ad custodiam eorum assignavimus Vobis mandamus quod Judeos illos et omnes possessiones suas manuteneatis c. as in the former Cyrographariis autem et custodibus Archae Judeorum in villa praedicta cum opus fuerit consulentes sitis et auxiliantes ad ea facienda et exequenda quae ad officium suum pertinent in eadem villa pro quo diligentiam vestram merito commendare debeamus T. R. apud St. Paulum 2 die Iun. The like Patents were sent Majori Vicecomitibus London reciting the publike peace proclaimed as the first Patent doth then adding
Cumque Iudeos nostros London pro timore turbationis supradict adhuc existentes apud Turrim nostram London in nostram defensionem et protectionem suscipimus specialem una cum familiis rebus et omnibus possessionibus eorundem ac ipsis Judeis concessimus quod ad domos suas infra Civitatem praedict libere redire eas secure et absque aliquo impedimento inhabitare possint sicut prius ante turbationem praedict fieri consueverunt Vobis de consilio Baronum praedict mandamus firmiter injungentes quatenus per totam civitatem praedict ex parte nostra et Baronum ipsorum publice proclamari et firmiter inhiberi faciatis ne quis sub periculo vitae et membrorum praed Judeis et familis suis in personis vel rebus eorum inferat dampnum molestiam vel gravamen Vos autem eos de caetero infra Civitatem praed â—quam extra quantum in vobis est manuteneatis protegatis et defendatis pro quo vos specialiter recommendare debeamus T. R. apud St. Paulum London 11 die Iunii The like Patents were granted to most other Towns where the Jews resided who by reason of the late troubles fled into Castles to preserve their lives and goods from plunder during the civil wars between the King and Barons wherein many of them were pillaged of all their estates and some killed In the Fine Roll of 48 H. 3. I find sundry releases made by the King to diverse English men of the Fees and debts belonging unto Jews running in this unusuall form Rex Justic ad custod Judeorum assign salutem Sciatis Nos de gratia nostra speciali remisisse diâ—ilectis et fidelibus nostris Rogero Bertram and sundry others there named Ut nobis devotiores et ad obsequium nostrum promptiores efficiantur omnia feoda in quibus ipsi aut eorum antecessor teneb quibuscunque Judeis nostris Angliae Pardonavimus etiam prefatis R. c. fidelibus nostris praedict omnes usuras et poenas in quibus ipsi vel sui antecessores eisdem Iudeis per cartas suas teneantur Ita videlicet quod in pecunia quam praedict R. c. a prefatis Judeis mutuo ceperunt eisdem Judeis reddere teneantur super qua quidem pecunia prefat R. c. sacramento suo coram vobis prestito et aliorum fide dignorum ad hoc juratorum credantur Et ideo vobis mandamus quod omnes Iudeos qui in regno nostr existunt presentes vel haetedes eorum qui mortui sunt quibus iidem fideles nostri in aliquo debito tenebantur certis diebus et locis coram vobis venite et omnes cartas per quas omnibus Judeis Angliae tenebantur in aliquibus debitis vel feodis ab Archis Cyrograph Judeorum extrahi et eisdem liberari et ipsos de predict feodis de poenis et usuâ—is quietos esâ—e et sic fieri et irrotulari faciatis Ita tamen quod dict pecunia sic a Iudeis praefat mutuo accepta praedicti R. c. eisdem Iudeis ad rationabiles terminos quos eis assignabitis satisfaciant Ita quod dicta pecunia sic mutuata non usuret et si praefaâ—i Judei veâ— aliqui ex ipsis fuerint mortui ita quod catalla sua sunt nostra escaeta tunc praedicti R. c. nobis inde satisfaciant ad Scac. nostrum T. R. apud VVestm 28 die Octob. The like I find to this in Fines 49 H. 3. m. 6 Anno 49 H. 3. 〈◊〉 meet with this Record about a Charter supposed to be forged by a Jew Rex Majori Northam salutem Cum ad suggestionem tuam Johannem fil Eustach c. Isaac de Burd c. Iudeos pro quadam carta falsa confecta per te arrestari et salvum custodiri praecipimus et Th de Brampton c. manuceperunt coram nobis ad habendum praefat Johan c. coram Iustic nostris ad custod Iud assignat a die c. ad standum recto si quis versus eos inde lonqui voluerit Tibi praecipimus quod praefat Iudeos in propria persona tua habeas coram praefat Justiâ— die praedict ad standum recto de crimine supradicto Et hoc sicut te et omnia tua diligis nullatenus omittas et habeas ibi cartam praedictam et hoc Breve T. R. apud Hereford 12 die Maii. There is the like writ for others in the same case The same year this writ issued to seise all the Jews and Judaism into the Kings hand formerly granted to Pr. Edward because he had joyned with some Rebels against the King allowing some displacing other of his Officers and commanding them not to obey the Prince Rex Thesaur et Camer ariis suis salutem Quia Edwardus fil â— cui Judaismum nostrum sicut nostis ad tempus commissimus nostro prorsus ac Magnatum et fidelium nostrorum spreto consilio subito et ex inopinato jam recessit ad quosdam rebelles nostros se transferendo qui nos gravare et pacem Regni nostri perturbare proponunt dictum IudaismuÌ„ capimus in manum nostram Et ideo vobis mandamus quod assumpto vobiscum Magistro Thom. de Cantelupo Cancellario nostro si adhuc Londini existat Tallagium nuper assessum super Iudaismum predict per Tho. de Irpergue ad hoc assignat per praedict fil nostr videri et illud ad opus nostrum colligi et salvo custodiri fac donec aliud inde praeciperimus Adam vero de Winton socium Roberti de Crep ab officio suo amoveatis et loco ejus Will. de Hachelbeche substituatis Ita quod idem VVillielmus et Robertus officio Iusticiariae Iudeorum amodo intendant donec aliter inde duxerimus ordinand et eisdem Iustic firmi er injungatis ex parte nostra ne praefato fil nostro vel suis in aliquo intendant et quod ab omnibus Iudeis Angliae hoc idem scire faciant Et hoc non omittatis T. R. apud Hereford 30 die Maii. In the Fine rolls of Ann. 49. The King pardons Rich de la Hyde his debts c. whose lands and tenements were not sufficient to satisfie the Debts for which they were obliged to sundry Jews there named Omnia debita usuras poenas et feoda in quibus tenetur Iudeis praedictis in aliquibus debitis usuris poenis vel feodis ab Archis Cyrograph Iudeorum extrahi et praef Rico. liberari et ipsum de predict debitis usuris poenis et feodis quietum esse et sic fieri et irrot faciant T. R. apud Hereford 19. die Iunii Per Regem et Justic The like to this and the former in Fines 48. I find frequent in this Fine roll to above 20 other several persons after the battel of Lewes therein specified In 50 H. 3. Mandatum est Th. Bacun quod
rotulos et brevia Iudaismum tangentia quae sunt in custodia sua liberet Iustic ad custod Iudeor assign custodiend quamdiu Rex aliud inde praeceperit This year the King writing to Hagiâ—o a Jew of London to deliver monyes of the Merchants of Flanders there arrested and left in his Custody begins thus Rex Hagino fil Mossei Iudeo London statum vitae melioris Cum per literas nostras c. The same year the King granted to Aaron le Blund a Jew liberty to sue for his debts which he formerly pardoned his debtors Non obstante pardonatione nostra de debitis dicti Rogeri praefato Judaeo facto The Jews sustaining much loss by the Barons and Kings enemies I find this recitall thereof by the King who granted them other Jews debts for their relief as this and other presidents manifest Rex Iustic suis ad custod c. Soiatis quod pro dampnis et jacturis quae Haginus fil Mossei Iudeus London pro nobis sustinuit in turbatione habita in regno nostro Nos in auxilium relevationis suae status dedimus ei 50 lib. in quibus Willielmus de Dyve defunctus per cartam suam tenebatur Jacobo fil Ladonis Iudeo London nuper defuncto cujus debita et catalla devenerunt ad manum nostram ratione mortis ejusdem Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praedict 50 lib. secundum consuetud Judaismi nostri leuari et eidem Hagino una cum carta supradicta liberari faciatis de dono nostri T. R. apud Westm 1 die April The like grant of another Jews debt upon the same account was this year made to Elyas sonne of Mosse a Jew to be allowed in his Tallages and other debts to the King Ibid. m. 10. The King pardons Peter de Novel and Andrew de Winton the debts they owed to Jews The Iews in London both before and after the battel of Lewes being spoiled of their houses and goods there during the Civil wars by the Kings Enemies and the Barons then in arms against them he thereupon in the 50 year of his reign enabled them to sue for and recover their goods and houses again except such as himself had sold and disposed of and restored them to the self-same condition they were in before the battle of Lewes by this ensuing writ and grant Rex Hugoni filio Ottonis Custodi Civitatis suae London salutem Cum pro variis dampnis et injuâ—is Iudeis nostris Angliae in turbatione regni nostri ab Inimicis nostris illatis de Consilio Magnatum nostrorum qui sunt de Consilio nostro Concessimus omnibus et singulis Iudeis praedictis quod ipsi quoad bona et possessiones suas recuperanda sint in eodem statu quo fuerunt die conflictus de Lewes ac quidem inimici nostri in turbatione in Regno nostro habita domos Iudaeorum nostrorum London in eadem Civitate tà m ante bellum praedictum quà m post occupaverint Ac etiam quidam deorum praedictorum pro timore turbationis praedictae domos suas in eadem Civitate reliquerunt et ad alias partes se transtulerunt Nos eisdem fudaeis gratiam uberiâ—rem facere volentes concessimus et reddidimus singulis Iudaeis nostris London omnes domos suas praedictas ante bellum praedictum et post bellum illud occasione turbationis praedictae occupatas detentas exceptis Domibus quorundam Judaeorum praedictorum London quas in eadem Civitate quibuscunque prius concessimus Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praefatis Iudaeis de Domibus suis praedictis in quorumcunque manibus existâ—nt plenam seisâ—nam habere facias sicut praedictum est T. R. apud VVestm 14 dii Novembris In the Patent Rolls of this year the King grants the Houses and Debts of several Jews escheated to him by their deaths or othewise to several Jews impoverished dampnis et gravaminibus sibi ad inimicis nostris illatis tempore turbationis habita in regno nostro c. volens eis gratiam facere specialem Besides upon this account I find this general Patent and Proclamation of protection for the Jewes of London Rex Rich. de Ceual and 45 more there named civibus London salutem Quia Iudei nostri London tempore turbationis in regno nostro jacturas quamplurimas et enormia sustinuerunt nos dispendiis et â—acturis eorum compatientes ipsos terras res domos redditus et omnes eorum possessiones in defensionem et protectionem nostram suscepimusâ— specialem Nos ad eorum Majorem tuitionem et securitatem custodiam et protectionem vos assignantes Et ideo vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quatenus per totam civitatem praedict London publice proclamari fac ne quis sub periculo vitae et membrorum praedict Iudaeis in personis vel rebus suis dampnum inferat molestiam aut gravamen et vos ipsi Iudeos illos familias suas terras vel redditus domos et omnes possessiones suas et eorum bona infra civitatem 〈◊〉 et extra quantum in vobis est manâ—teneatis protegatis et defendatis non inferentes c. as in the former Et si quid c. talem diligentiam apponentes ut vobis c. donatur per vicecomitem T. R. Consimiles literae habent Iudei Cantebr Ballivis et probis hominibus Cant. directae durant ut supra This year the King granted the custody of the Iews Rolls and a salary for it by this patent Rex omnibus c. Sciatis quod commissimus dilecto Clerico nostro Tho. Wabrun rotulos et brevia nostra Iudaismi nostri custodiend quamdiu nobis placuerit ita quod capiat per annum ad Scac. nostr 10 lib. vid. 100 s. ab Scac. nostr St. Michis et 100s ad Scac. nostr Pasche ad se sustentandum in officio praedicto quamdiu frerit in eodem The same year the King by Patent granted leave to sundry Jews presently to sue for and levy their debts upon their Creditors and distrain them for them and likewise that he will not release pardon nor respite the debts due to them from sundry particular persons expressed in the Patents in form like those already cited elsewhere Yea I find this Writ for electing a new Cyrographer in the place of one that was dead issued this year Rex Constab castri Winton et Ballivis ejusdem villae saâ—utem Quia Petrus Westman Christianus unus Cyrogr. Arch. Iud. Winton diem clausit extremum ut rex accepit Vobis mandamus quod per Sacramentum 12. tam Christianorum quam Iudeorum villae praedict eligi fac loco praedict Pet. unum alium Coffrarium qui praestito sacramento sicut moris est officio illo de caetero intendat et nomen ejus Regi scire fac T. R. apud Cant. 26 die Oct. And this recital of the Kings grant of his
Iudaisme to the Prince and a confirmation of his grant to a Jew Rex omnibus c. Sciatis quod cum dudum commissâ—rimus dilect primog nostro Judaismum nostrum Angliae habendum ad certum terminum cum omnibus ad Judaismum illum pertinentibus item quod idem fil noster omnia inde medio tempore illo perciperet Judeorum tam ratione mortis Iudeorum aliunde quam eodem modo-quo nos percipere debuissemus si Iudaismum praedict in manu nostra â—eâ—uissemus et dictus fil noster tertiam partem omnium catal et debitorum quae fuerunt Deulecres filius Aaron qui tunc in fata concessâ—â— ad ipsum filium nostr ratione mortis eâ—usdem Deulecres sicut moris est in Iudaismo pertinentem occasione â—osâ—rae concessionis antedict dederit et concesserit Hagio fil Mosse Iudeo London una cum custodia catal et debitorum pertinent ad pueros haeredes ejusdem Deulacres de catallis et debitis supradictis Nos praedict donationem concessionem ratam habemus acceptam Volentes etiam eidem Hagino gratiam facere specialem concedimus eidem quod de debitis 〈◊〉 extentam vel etiam prorogationem seu quietantiam aliquam vel donum nou faciemus infra quinquenâ—ium a tempore confect presentium In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 26 die Novemb. In 51 H. 3. I find this grant to divers plundered Jews of Lincoln and other parts to recover their pawns which they could prove though their Charters were lost or not extant on Record Rex dilectis et fidelibus suis custodibus pacis in Com. Linc. North. Ebor. Vic. eorundem Com. et Vic. Norf. Suff. et Rutland et omnibus Ballivis et fidelibus nostris quos c. salutem Volentes Manfro and to sundry other Iews there named Iudeis Linc. et aliis Iudeis nostris ejusdem Civit. pro dampniset gravaminibus eis ab inimicis nostris illatis in insultu habito apud Linc nec non et in turbatione regni nostri gratiam facere ad praesens Concessimus quod Vadia sua nominata in Cyrogr. inter ipsos et debit suos confect de debitis quae sibi rationabiliter monstrari poterint in quorumcunque manibus existent vadia illa in manus suas secundum legem et consuetudinem Iudaismi nostri seisientur donec debita illa levantur et persolventur eisdem sicut praedict est nisi debitores illi rationabiliter monstrare poterint quod de debitis illis debent esse quieti In cujus c. T. R. apud Windsore The like Patent he made to Aaron the son of Lion le Blund a Jew of London this year upon the same grounds being plundered by the King enemies in London and elsewhere In 52 H. 3. the King confirmed the grant of Sâ—m a Jew of York to Hagino a Jew of London of certain houses in York and grants to him further pro nobis et haeredibus nostris sibi et haeredibus suis quod supra domos praedict nulla fiat districtio pro aliquibus debitis in quibus Aaron the father of Samuel nobis tenebatur die quo in fata concessit T. R. 30 die Aug. He likewise ratified the grant of a Jew of Wilton of a debt due to him to Tho. de Irpeign with the grants of several houses in Winton by sundry Christians and Jews to Benedict a Jew of Winton Pardons a fee to a Jew and grants some Jews that had suffered for him leave to levy their debts on their debtors lands There is likewise mention of what moneys were delivered into the Kings VVardrobe this year out of the profits of his Judaisme and an acquittance thereof to his Iustices This year the King granted to Hagino fil Mossei and some other Jews that they should be exempted quieti de omnibus auxiliis et Tallagiis super ipsis assidendis et de quibuscunque debitis in quibus nobis tâ—nentur from the feast of St. Andrew usque in terminum proximo sequent T. R. apud Clarendoâ— 27 die Novemb. In the Clause Rolls this year I find fines made by the Jews to the King to enjoy the goods and debt of other Iews Prohibitionâ— to the Iustices iâ—inerant noâ— to suffer any Iews to be vexed or prosecuted before them cum sicut nostis Iudei Angliae coram aliquibus Iustic nostr de aliquibus Judaismum nostr tangâ—â—â—ibus non debâ—ant placitare vel respondere nisi coram Iustic nostriâ— ad custod Iud. assignatis A grant to some Iews not to pardon acquit prorogue or â—extend their debts for 5 years with a confirmation thereof and repeal of all subsequent grants to the contrary And a Grant of one Jews debt to another and power to levy it notwithstanding any former pardons and releases thereof In the Plea Rolls of Hilary Term Anno 52 H. 3. in the Treasury of the Exchequer theie are several Legal suits and proceedings before the Justices of the Jews in the Exchequer some whereof I shall transcribe Decanus et Capitulus Linc. per suum attornatum opt se 4 die versus Mosseum de Warwic de Placito quod injustè ab eis exigit debitum per quandam cartam falsam et contra Assisam Iudaismi confectam ut dicunt et ipse non venit Et praeceptum fuit Constabulario quod ipsum attachiari faciat ita quod haberet corpus ejus coram Justiciariis c. Upon which the Constable returned Quod dictus Mosseus Non est inventus c. Et similiter praeceptum est Vicecomiti Linc. quod attachiari faciat â— In this Roll there are divers Actions against Jews De placito acquietationis debiti c. to discharge them of Debts and to deliver up their Charters Pawnes and Morgages pretended to be discharged released pardoned or satisfied Done de Walingford petit versus Henricum Cobbe custodem haeredis et terrarum Nicholai Cuppins medietatem unius Messuagii in parochia Sancti Petri in Winton quae quondam fuit Dyay viri sui unde ipse Dyay vir ipsius ipsam secundum Legem et consuetudinem Iudaismi dotavit c. In the 7th Roll there is a Confirmation of the Kings of certain Debts and Annuities assigned by Hagino Son of Moses a Jew to Adam of Stratton and this ensuing Writ to the Sheriff of Essex and elswhere to discharge one Peter Fitz-Roger of all Debts due to the Jews after proclamation made in the Schools and Synagogues of the Iews two or three Sabbaths and not suing for them within a prefixed time after such Proclamations returned Praeceptum fuit Vicecomiti Essex quod clamari faciat per Scolas Judeorum Colecester per duo vel tria Sabbata si aliquis Judeus vel Judea aliquod Debitum exigere poterit de Rogero filio Petri filii Gilberti de debito suo proprio vel c. tunc essent ad compotum Et
Vicecomiti mandatur tam Litera Latina quam Hebraica quod nullus Judeus vel Judea aliquod Debitum exiget de predicto Rogero c. Eodem modo praeceptum fuit Constabulario Castri Norwic. and others by writs both in Latin and Hebrew and the certificate returned upon these writs was made both in Latine and Hebrew The usual form in that age in such cases In like manner Praeceptum fuit Constabulario Turris London quod clamari faciat per Scolas Judaeorum London per duo vel tria Sabbata si aliquis Iudeus vel Iudea aliquod Debitum exigere poterit c. that then they should come in ad computandum c. and the returns of them are in Hebrew and Latin In the same Roll there is a recital of a Charter made by the King dilecto fratri et fideli nostro Willielmo de Valence et haeredibus vel assignatis of an Annuity of 50 marks yearly wherein Peter Fitz Matthew was bound to Aaron ben Abraham a Iew of London usque in finem saeculi the usual form of the Iews charters in cases of fee simple which Annuity the Iew had given to the King In the end of the Charter the King warrants the gift Secundam Assisam Iudaismi In the dorse of the same Roll there is a Confirmation by the King of an Assignment of Annuities Debts to William Charls by Sampson Son of le Mestre a Jew and a VVrit Iusticiariis ad custodiam Iudaeorum assignatis to inroll the Patent dated ad Clarendon with divers other writs of that nature In the 8 Roll * of the Pleas that year there is this writ to the Sheriff Henricus Dei gratia c. Vicecomiti Essex salutem Constat Justiciariis nostris ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis per inspectionem Rotulorum de Scaccario nostro scilicet quod Aaron filius Duessad vendidit et demisit dilecto et fideli nostro G. de Clare Com. Glouc. et Hereford unum debitum de 20 l. de feodo sub nomine Willielmi de Bernham et Magistri Elye Iudei together with other Debts c. Et quod praedictus Aaron habuit seisinam per praeceptum nostrum de terris tenementis quae fuerunt praedictorum VVillielmi et Roberti another of the Debtors in Borham pro debitis praedictis quam quidam seisinam praefatus Comes habuit per praeceptum nostrum occasione venditionis praedictae de terris et tenementis praedictis Ac postmodum Iohanna quae fuit uxor Will. de Berneham et Iohannes Anger in Curia nostra coram Nobis recuperaverunt seisinam de praedictis terris tenementis per Judicium Curiae nostrae praedictae Et quia eadem seisina sic prefatis Iohannae et Iohanni adjudicata c. nihil debet praejudicare predicto Comiti quin secundum Assisam et Consuetudinem Judaismi nostri habeat talem seisinam de terris et tenetis praedictis qualem prius habuit occasione dictorum debitorum ut predictum est Tibi praecipimus quod seisinam quam praefatus Comes prius habuit de terris et tenementis predictis eidem rehabere facias c. In the same Roll there is this Inquisition made upon the Murder of a Jew slain at Oxford Praeceptum fuit Constabulario Castri Oxoniae et Cyrographo Christiano et Judeo Archae Cyrograph ejusdem quod per Sacramentum 12 Iudeorum inquirant quae bona et catalla Iacobus Baseni de Oxon Judeus Oxon interfectus habuit die quo interfectus fuit Eodem modo preceptum est Ballivis Oxon quod per Sacramentum 12 Christianorum inquirant quae catalla dictus Iacobus habuit die quo interfectus fuit c. Which will well explain the Articles in the ancient Eyres and the manner of Inquiry and proceedings thereon De catallis Iudaeorum occisorum c. In the Plea Rolls of the same year and Term there is this record manifesting that all Debts and Stars of converted Jews belonged to the King Iospin fil Solomon de Merlebridge shews to the Court that Iocette his Sister was married to Salom filius Lumbard of Kirkland Et quod ipsa habuit in Archa Cyrogr. Merlebridge unum Cyrographum de 32 marcis sub nomine suo et Hugonis Lovel Rectoris Ecclesiae de Rudburn that Iocette became a convert Christian and then did Solomon alter the Deed in his own name Quae quidem Carta fuit Domini Regis per conversionem praedictae Jocettae et quod hoc totum sit verum obligat omnia bona c. out of spight to his Sister for that she was turned Christian to make her forfeit this debt Et preceptum est Vicecomiti quod venire faciat praedictum Hugonem et Cyrographum Christianum Archae Cyrographorum Merlebrige et 6. Christianos de Merlebrig c. Et postea ipse Iospinus non est prosecutus Ideo omnia catalla dicti Iospini capiantur in manum Domini Regis prout ipse obligavit c. A just requital of his malice Praeceptum fuit Cyrograph Christianis et Iudaeis Archae Cyrogr. Norwic. quod ad Archam accedant c. and there take out 20 l Debt for Edward the Prince due unto him c. Praeceptum est Cyrograph Christian Judeis Archae Cyrogr. Norwic. quod ad Archam praedictam accedant and there take out all the Charters Pawns and Rolls belonging to Abraham a few of Norwich for the Kings use because he had not paid his Tallage of ten pounds to the King Rot. 10 11 and 12. of the Pleas of Hil. 52 H. 3. consist for the most part of Staâ—rs of the Jews some whereof are assignments of Debts and Sales of Annuities by Jews to Adam de Stratton Simon de Zouch and other Christians ratified by the Kings confirmation Others of them releases of Debts by way of Acquittance These Stars usually began thus Solomon de London Judaeus cegnovit per Starrum suum c. In the 53 year of King Henry the 3. a certain Jew abetted by the other Jews in high contempt of Christ crucified in the solemn Procession at Oxford on Ascention day threw down and brake in peeces the Crosse that was carried before the University in Procession and then fled Wherupon by the Kings special command all the in Oxford were apprehended and their goods secured till they out of their own goods and chattels erected a new standing beautifull high Crosse adorned with guilt Pictures of Christ and our Lady in the place where this wickednesse was perpetrated and made another rich portable silver guilded Crosse to be carried before the University of the Masters and Scholars of Oxford in their Processions which were to be made by a time prefixed for the publike manifestation of the honour of God in this behalf as these Records at large inform us though not mentioned by any of our Historians Rex Vic. Oxon. salutem Cum Judaei nostri Oxon. nobis adhuc
ne Crestien ne lachate sur forfeiture de son chatel et de son heritage Et ensement est purveu par lavant dit Roy et par le consell Sire Edward et des avant dit prodes homes qe nul Gyvu des ore mes ne puse vendre sa dette a Crestien si il ne eyt primes le conge le Roy. Et si Crestien la chate par le conge le Roy rien ne pusse plus aver ke le Roy ne averoit si la dette eust en sa mein ceo est a saver le chatel qe est troue en chartre saunz Usure This Ordinance within few months after Anno 54 H. 3. was commanded to be put in execution by this writ to the Barons of the Exchequer which thus recites it Rex Baron de Scac. salutem Quia provisum est per. Nos et Edwardum Primogenitum nostrum et alios fideles de consilio nostro ad meliorationem status terrae nostrae et ad relevationem Christianorum a gravaminibus quae hactenus habuerunt per Judeos et Judaismum nostrum Angliae Quod omnia debita Judeorum quae sunt feoda et quae die Sancti Hillarii An. r. n. 53. fuerunt in manibus Judeorum et quae non fuerunt data et vendita Christianis ita quod ante diem illum essent confirmata per nos vel irrotulata in Rotulis nostris ad Scac. nostrum Judeorum quieta sint Christianis qui ea debent et eorum heredibus imperpetuum una cum arreragiis eorundem debitorum et quod Chartae de hujusmodi feodis ubicunque erunt inventae sint liberatae Christianis qui talia feoda debent vel eorum heredibus et quod si forte aliqua hujusmodi Carta sit inventa in Archa Cyrogr. vel extra amodo nullius sit valoris Et quod nullus Judeus a predicto die inantea talia debita de feodo recipiat vel faciat Et similiter quod nullus Judeus talia feoda Christianis vendat a predicto tempore super forisfacturam vitae suae et catallorum ipsius nec Christianus ea emat super forisfacturam catallorum ipsius et suae haereditatis Vobis mandamus quod omnia Cyrographa super hujusmodi feodis per quoscunque confecta coram vobis ad Scac. nostrum venire faciatis et ea quae ante praedict diem Sancti Hillarii non fuerunt per nos confirmata nec in rotulis nostris ad Scac. nostrum Judeorum irrotulata prout superius est expressum cancellari faciatis et creditoribus vel eorum haeredibus quieta reddatis T. R. apud Westm 14 die Maii. The later part of this Ordinance here omitted against selling debts without license is frequently recited in special Licenses granted by the King to Jews to sell their debts the very next year after its making and proved very gainfull to the King and his Officers Rex omnibus c. salutem Cum nuper de consilio Edwardi primogeniti nostri et aliorum fidelium regni nostri in praesentia nostra provisum esset quod nullus Judeus debitum aliquod quod sibi a Cristiano debetur alicui vendere possit ni si prius a nobis optenta super hoc licentia speciali et si Christianus aliquis debitum hujusmodi de licentia nostra emat nihil plus inde habeat quam nos haberemus si debitum illud esset in manu nostra viz. Catallum quod inventum est in Carta inde confecta SINE USURA Nos Jacobo fil Mosse Iudeo Oxon dedimus licentiam vendendi Galf. de Lukenore debitum illud in quo Laur. de Cheleston eidem Iudeo tenetur per cartam suam Et etiam idem Galfredo dedimus licentiam emendi idem debitum à praefat Judaeo in forma provisionis supradictae In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 7. die Maii. Claus 54 H. 3. m. 10. in sc ed. there is a writ to discharge some debts of the King out of the estate of a deceased Iew directed to the Iustices assigned for their custody In the Patent Rolls of this year I find this recital of the Kings grant of Aaron a Jew to his Sonne Edmond and of Edmonds grant and infranchisement of Aaron and the Kings confirmation thereof Omnibus c. salutem Inspeximus Cartam quam Edmundus fil noster fecit Aaron fil Vynes in haec verba Omnibus praesentem cartam visuris vel audituris Edmundus illustris Regis Angliae filius salutem Cum Dom. Rex pater noster dederit et concesserit Nobis Aaron fil Vynes Iudeum cum omnibus bonis debitis catallis suis liberam et quietam de omnibus Tallagiis auxiliis prestitis et demanmandis quibuscunque ita quod eum cum omnibus bonis catallis suis habeamus et teneamus cum omnibus libertatibus legibus et consuetudinibus Iudaismi Angliae prout hujusmodi concessio in praedicti patris nostri carta super hoc confecta plenius continetur Nos eidem Aaron Iudeo specialem gratiam facere volentes ipsum cum omnibus bonis debitis et catallis suis tenore praesentium donavimus libertati concedentes eidem quod ipse toto tempore vitae suae liber sit de nobis ab omnibus Tallagiis auxiliis prestitis demandis reddend nobis quamdiu vixerit quolibet anno ad festum Pentecost unum par caelcarium deaurator pro omnibus exactionibus demandis In cujus rei testimonium sigillum nostrum fecimus apponi Dat. Winton 11 die Augusti Anno Reg. Dom. patr nostr praedicti 54. Nos autem praedictas donationem concessionem c. pro nobis haeredibus nostris quantum in nobis est concedimus et confirmamus sicut carta praedicta rationabiliter testatur T. ut supra Here the King grants a Jews person with all his goods debts and chattels to his Son like an absolute Villain and his Son thus infranchiseth him afterwards by this Charter which the King confirms and is mentioned in 18 E. 1. * hereafter cited This grant of Aaron by his Son is recited in this Patent Roll with this addition Volumus etiam quod idem Aaron habeat Archam ad reponend Cyrogr. sua loco quo in terris ipsius filii nostri moraturus fuerit secundum legem et consuetudinem Judaismi nostri et quod ministri nostri levari faciant eidem Iudeo debita sua quae ei debentur vel debebuntur de debitoribus suis in regno nostro prout rationabiter monstrare poterit per Cyrogr. sua vel per literas patentes quod ei in debitis illis teneantur prout de jure secundum legem et consuetudinem Judaismi praedict fuit faciendum I find this Patent of the Kings this year contradicting his Title to a Jews house as escheated to him by his death and ratifying the Jews demise thereof by his last Will. Rex omnibus
c. Quia accepimus per Inquisitionem quam per Constab Turris nostrae London et Majorem Vicecomites nostros London fieri fecimus quod Domus illa cum pertinentiis in Vico de Melchstreet in Civit nostra London quae fuerunt Cress fil Mag. Mossei quondam Iudei London non sunt nec esse possunt Eschaeta nostra per mortem illius Cress quod nunquam in vitae sua in aliquo deliquit contra nos sed tanquam bonus et fidelis Iudeus bene et fidelitermore Judeorum vixit et testamentum suum secundum consuetudinem Judaismi nostri fecit et domos praedict cum omnibus pertinentiis suis Cok. fil suo legavit in testamento praedicto Nos eidem Cok. domos praedict cum pertinentiis quantum ad nos pertinet concessimus et reddidimus tenend et habend in forma Testamenti supradicti salvo jure cujuslibet In cujus c. T. R apud Winds 29 die Sept. This year some Jews of Winchester fearing an assault upon them by reason of some differences between them and the Citizens the King granted this new special protection and committed them to the custody of sundry Citizens thereof to protect them from violence and damage Rex dilecto sibi in Christo Simoni le Draper and to 25 others there named salutem Quia per quandam contentionis materiam inter quosdam de Civibus nostris ejusdem villae et Benedictum fil Abrah Iudeum nostrum illius villae nuper habitam multi homines de dicta villa praedicto Benedicto aliis Judeis nostris in eadem villa commorantibus de corporibus suis manifeste minati sunt ut accepimus Nos volentes dictorum nostrorum Judeorum indempnitati prospicere ipsos homines terras domos res redditus et omnes possessiones eorundem in nostram protectionem et defensionem suscepimus specialem vos ad corum majorem tuitionem et securitatem custodes et Protectores suos assignantes Et ideo vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quod per totam Civitatem nostram praedict publice clamari faciatis Ne quis sub periculo vitae membrorum praedict Judeis in personis vel rebus suis dampnum inferet vel gravamen Et vos ipsi praedict Judeos familias suas terras domos res redditus et omnes possessiones eorum tam infra dictam Civitatem quam extra quantum in vobis est manuteneatis protegatis et defendatis Non inferentes eis vel inferri permittentes injuriam molestiam dampnum vel gravameâ— Et si quid eis forisfactum fuerit id â—is sine dilatione faciatis emendari Volentes etiam quod praetextu istius mandati in nullo vos intromittatis de placitis quaerilis aut aliis ipsos Iudeos tangentibus quae ad Constab Castri nostri Winton pertinent hactenus pertinere consueverunt In cujus T. R. apud Westm 26 die Decemb. Patents 54. H. 3. m. 24. The King grants to Benedict a Iew that he will not prorogue release pardon or extend any debts due unto him for 5 years space and by his Charter confitms a grant of an Annuity in see made by two Jews Alardo de Hermigsham et haeredibus suis In the 55 year of H. 3. I find two Prohibitions to the Iustices itinerant in Sussex and Kent to hold pleas of the Jews in Sussex or Kent or concerning Iudaismum nostrum contra legem consuetudinem Iudaismi suprapraedicti T. R. apud Winds 28 die Sept. Also a Pardon of all usury and penalties due to Jewes by some poore Debtors A grant of 30 l. to one Martin out of the debts of Jews A Writ of respite of fines not paid by some Jews out of meer poverty at the times appointed them to the Justices of the Jews quatenus termiuos suos praedictos taliter admensuretis quod salvo contenemento suo possint nobis de eo quod aretro est de fine praedicto satisfacere etiam Tallagio nostro simul cum aliis Iudeis contribuere ne per defectum mendicare T. R. apud Westm 26 die April Some other particulars concerning the fines of Iews are in this Roll. In the Patent Rolls of this year there are divers releases of the King of the debts usuries and penalties due to Jews and confirmations of grants of Houses and Debts assigned by Jews to others Licenses for sundry Jews to sell their debts according to the forementioned Ordinance of 53 H. 3. all running in the fame fotm with that already cited And a grant to some Jews not to pardon respite nor extend their debts But the more special things therein are these two First this License to a Jew to dwell where he pleased amongst any Jews in what Burrough of England he listed Rex omnibus c. salutem Sciatis quod ad instantiam Edwardi fil nostri carissimi concedimus Aaroni fil Vynes Iudeo quod in quocunque Burgo Regni nostri voluerit ubi alii Judei habitant morari possit pro voluntate sua sine contradictione nostra vel Ballivorum nostrorum quorumcunque Dum tamen tanquam bonus et fidelis Judeus se gerat et habeat in eodem In cujus c. T. R. apud Winds 30 die Octob. An. 55. Next this morgage of Judaisme for payment of 2000 marks to Richard King of Almain Rex omnibus c. salutem Cum ante recessum cariss fil Edwardi primogeniti nostri versus terram sanctam dederimus eidem Edw. 6000 marc de Judaismo nosto in subsidium peregrinationis sux de quibus 6000 marc 4000 marc exceptis quibusdam arreragiis solvuntur eidem Ita quod 2000 marc et eadem arreragia adhuc sibi reddenda supersunt ipse filius noster moram saciens in terra sancta non mediocriter pecunia indigeat ad expensas suas propter quod car fr. fid n. Ricus Rex Alemani illustris illa 2000 mar quae aretro sunt c. fil nostro credidit ad partes nostras Nos eidem Rico. pro praedicta Curialitate dict fil n. facta concessimus quod ipse vel executores vel assign sui habeant et teneant Judaismum nostrum et Judaeos nostros Angliae a Festo sancti Michis An. 1271. usque ad Festum sancti Michis prox sequent per unum An. completum pro praed 2000. marc dicto fil n. creditis Ita Scil. quod Iudei nostri Angl. illa 2000 marc dict fratri nostro terminis subscriptis solvant infra praedict An. Then he limits the time for she Iews to pay it by several summes Et si pretextu nostro vel mandatorum nostrorum huic concessioni nostrae contradictorum dictus frater noster fuerit impeditus quo minus dictam pecuniam dictis terminis levare possit tunc liceat ei tam diu Judaismum nostrum in manu sua tenere donec super principale debito et paena praedict fuerit sibi
satisfactum Hanc autem concess dicto fratri nostro fecimus salvis nobis haeredibus nostris placitis perquisitis eschaetis dicti Judaismi nostri ad nos pertinentibus de toto tempore praedict c. Nec volumus quod praedict frat n. infra terminum praedict aliquam faciat pardonationem quietantiam vel alienationem de debitis Judaismi nostri memorati nec tempore praedict aliquod aliud recipiat de Judaismo nostro nisi debitum praed 2000 marc c. In cujus c T. R. apud Westm 15 die Iun. Anno 56. H. 3. In the Clause Roll I find Many licenses to Jews to sell their Debts wherein the Ordinance of 53 H. 3. is recited A Release and grant of some debts of Jewes and to take the Charters of them out of the Chest Respites of other debts due to them pardon of usury to others and an extent of Creditors Lands at reasonable rates But the most material things in this Roll are The Kings assignation of 1000 lib. to Prince Edward out of the Tallage of the Jews this year de quibusdam certis personis praedict Iudeorum percipiendas some of which having paid their proportion to the Prince are thereupon discharged of former sequestrations on them and their estates And this gift of the Jews Synagogue in London to the Friers penitents in London whom the Jewes with their Howlings in it disturbed at their Masses and Divine services yet licensing them if they pleased to build another Synagogue in any convenient place that should be elsewhere allotted them Rex Majori Vic. suis London Quia dilecti nobis in Christo fratres de paenitentia Jesu Christi London commorantes per strepitum Judeorum confluentium ad Ecclesiam suam quae contigua est Oratorio dictorum fratrum ibidem et etiam pro ipsorum Judeorum continuam ululatum in eadem Schola juxta ritum suum impediantur quo minus ea quae ad Officium spirituale pertinent exercere possint circa celebrationem divinorum et praecipue hora confectionis corporis Jesu Christi sicut per testimonium fidelium accepimus Nos ad divina inibi quietius celebranda volentes predict impedimentum modis omnibus amoveri ob salutem animae nostrae et animarum predecessorum et haeredum nostrorum de gratia nostra speciali dedimus et concessimus predictisfratribus successoribus suis in augmentum mansi sui ibidem predict Scholam una cum fundo ejusdem Habend tenend eisdem fratribus successoribus suis imperpetuum Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eisdem fratribus de Scola illa sicut praedict est plenam seisinam sine dilatione habere faciatis Sustinentes quod predicti Judei sibi aliam Scholam alibi ubi ad minus nocumentum dictorum fratrum et Ecclesiae suae et Ecclesiarum alirum fieri poterit facere vel construere possint si voluerint et sibi viderint expedire T. R. apud St. Edmundum 6. die Sept. There being some few poor Jews converted this same yeare and the revenues of the House of the Converts being swallowed up by rich Jews not living in it and the poor Converts there like to starve for want of relief and enforced to begg from door to door thereupon the King assigned to a convert Jew and his wife a certain annual pension out of some houses in London belonging to the House of the Converts and issued a Commission to inquire of and regulate the abused revenues of the House of Converts which he had founded and to bestow them on the poor Jews c. as these Records at large relate Rex omnibus c. salutem Sciatis quod cum de propriis bonis et elemosinis nostris fundaverimus quandam domum in honore sanctae Trin. infra suburbium civitatis nostrae London ad usus Conversorum ab errore Judaico usque ad fidem Christianam quosdam redditus nostros ad sustentationem eorundeÌ„ assignando Concessimus pro nobis et haeredibus nostris quantum in nobis est Nich. aurifabro London et Matildae uxori ejus conversis quod ipse Nich. singulis septimanis decem denar et ipsa Matilda singulis septimanis octo denar habeant et percipiant per manus suas ad sustentationem suam quoad vixerint de redditibus predictis dictae domus a nobis assignatis infra civitatem predictam videlicet de domibus Walteri de Vallibus in parochia Sanctae Wyburge duas marcas de quatuor shopis ejusdem Walteri in parochia Sancti Matth. de Fridaistreet viginti solidos de domibus Hugonis Mothon in parochia de Aldermanchirche viginti solidos et de tenementis Will Bokerell viginti solidos et quatuor denarios debitis terminis quibus iiâ—em redditus reddi debent et consueverunt Ita etiam quod quandocunque alter praedict Nich et Matild diem suum clauserit extremum porcio predicta ipsum Nicholaum seu ipsam Matildam contingens ad predictam domum integre revertatur imperpetuum In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium 28 die Aprilis Rex dilectis sibi Majori London et Magistro Johanni de Sancto Dionisio clerico suo Custodi domus Conversorum London salutem Ex parte pauperum Conversorum nostrorum London nobis et consilio nostro est ostensum quod tum nihil habeant unde sustentari possint nec sit qui eis in aliquo subveniat hostiatim mendicare coguntur et quasi fame moriuntur Et cum certos redditus ad sustentationem ipsorum in Civitate London et alibi assignari fecerimus ipsi ex hiis nihil percipiunt set quidam alii Conversi divites alios redditus et possessiones habentes qui etiam non morantur nec conversantur in domo nostra predicta redditus ipsos pro magna parte percipiunt et ad usus suos pro voluntate sua convertunt quod ulterius sustinere nolumus nec debemus maxime cum predictos redditus dictae domui non pro divitibus set pauperibus et egenis et ex causa necessitatis fecerimus assignari Volentes igitur premissa in melius reformari vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quod per Sacramentum proborum legalium hominum de civitate suburbio London diligenter inquiratis qui sunt redditus et bona predicta quantum valeant per annum quis vel qui ea percipiunt a quibus et qualiter hactenus distributa et dispensata fuerunt quae super premissis corrigenda et reformanda videritis sine dilatione corrigatis Proviso quod bona et redditus domus predictae prefatis conversis qui magis indigent juxta merita necessitatis ipsorum decetero assignentur de aliis etiam quae ad servicium debitum statum Capellae nostrae ibidem ac domus praedictae in melius reformandum pertinere noscuntur provideatis in omnibus prout melius
et honestius videritis expedire Volumus etiam quod sicut predicti redditus dictae domui ad sustentationem commorancium in eadem specialiter assignati sunt Ita etiam ad domum deferantur et distribuantur ibidem sicut predictum est Et si quos vobis aut ordinationi vestrae resistentes aut contradicentes inveneritis eos per sequestrationes porciorum suarum et aliter prout opus esse vider is compescatis T. R. apud Wesm 26 die Febr. This year the King granted this ensuing Pardon to a Jew for selling a pretended Debt for which he had no Charter to another for which he was committed Prisoner to the Tower and for making an escape from thence without License for which pardon he paid a Fine to the King Rex omnibus c. salutem Sciatis quod cum Abraham filius Jocei Judeus Ebor. pro quater viginti et undecim libris argenti quas Thomas de Basing civis noster London versus eum disrationaverat in Curia nostra coram Iusticiariis nostris ad custodiam Judeorum assignatis eccasione cujusdam debiti in quo idem Abraham dixerat Will. de Dyve sibi teneri quod quidem debitum ipse Judeus dicto Thomae vendidit unde nulla Carta inter ipsum Judeum et predictum Wil. in Archa nostra potuit inveniri per praeceptum Justic eorundem caperetur et infra Turrim nostram London detineretur et eidem Abrahamo à quibusdam Emulis suis sit impositum quod ab eadem Turri sine licentia custodis sui sive warranto temere recessit licet per literas nostras fecissemus eum deliberari Nos per finem duodecim bisanciarum quas predictus Abrahamus nobis solvit praemanibus pardonavimus eidem Abrahamo transgressionem quam fecisse dicitur vendendo debitum praedictum sine Carta et etiam transgressionem quam fecisse dicitur recedendo a Turri praedicta tempore detentionis suae praedictae Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praedictum Abraham occasione transgressionum praedictarum non occasionetis in aliquo vel gravetis T. R. apud Westm 26 die Martii This year I find a special Licence for a Jew to assign his Debt according to the Provisions in 53. H. 3. therein mentioned in form above rehearsed This year the King appointed this special form of Manucaption body for body for the Jews then imprisoned in the Tower for their Tallages and petitioning to be bailed discovering how strictly the King dealt with them in levying their heavy Taxes Rex Thes Baronibus suis de Scaccario salutem Sciatis nos de Consilio nostro talem formam manucapt onis Iudaeorum incarceratorum apud Turrim London providisse videlicet quod manucaptores manucapiant ipsos Iudeos quos manucapere volunt habendo corpora praedictorum Iudaeorum quos manuceperunt à die Sancti Johan Baptistae in 15 dies corpus pro corpore liberand Constabular Turr. praedictae carceri mancipanda ad voluntatem nostram donec nobis satisfecerint de Tallagiis suis super ipsos assessis nisi praedicta tallagia solvere velint ad terminos subscriptos videlicet medietatem ad quindenam Sancti Johan Baptist prox futur et aliam medietatem ad festum Sancti Jacobi Apostoli prox sequent Ita quod si praedecti manucapti praedictam solutionem fecerint ad praedictos terminos quieti sint praedicti manucaptores Et si in solutione praedicta in toto vel in parte defecerint ad eosdem terminos et praedicti manucaptores habeant corpora manucapta ad praedictum terminum in forma praedicta tunc similiter quod sint de manucaptione sua Ita tamen quod praedicti Manucapti quicquid prae manibus solverint de praedicto tallagio vel etiam ad aliquem terminorum praedictorum nisi totum solverint illud penitus amittant et nihilominus corpora sua una cum omnibus catallis et debitis suis nobis incurrantur ad voluntatem nostram inde faciendam et si manucaptores corpora manucaepta ad praedictum terminum non liberaverint nec manucapti Tallagium suum solverint sicut praedictum est tunc corpora manucapientium una cum omnibus Catallis et debitis suis incurrantur ad voluntatem nostram inde faciendam sicut praedictum est In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 21 die Iunii In the 57 and last year of King Henry the 3. I find only a special license for a Jew to sell his Debt to a Christian wherein the ordinance of 53. H. 3. is recited I have now run through all the most material Records of King Henry the 3 his long and tedious reign relating to the Jews and their affairs pretermitting some few only of lesse moment and private concerment in some of the Fine Clause and Patent Rolls where those who are not fully satisfied with these already recited may glean them at their leasures I now proceed to the Records in the reigne of King Edward the first omitting all passages of the Jewes in the Fine Rolls of his reign as of lesse moment seeing the Patent and Clause Rolls afford us much plenty and variety of matter concerning our English Jews affairs their final banishment out of England and sale of their houses eascheated by their exile which Records were never yet published to the world in print and are unknown to most men King Henry the 3 deceasing and his Son Edward the 1 succeeding him Anno 1272. thereupon he constituted Hamon Hattayn and Robert de Ludham Justices for the custody of his Jews commanding the Treasurer and the Barons of the Exchequer to deliver to them the keys of the Jews Chests together with the Rolls Writs and other things belonging to the Jews as they had formerly done to other Justices by this Writ Quia Rex constituit Hamonem Haittayn et Robernum de Ludham Justiciarios suos ad custodiam Judaeorum suorum Mandatum est Thesaurario et Baronibus de Scaccario quod eisdem Hamoni Roberto claves Archarum Judaismi una cum Rotulis Brevibus et omnibus aliis Judaismum illud contingentibus liberent prout aliis Justiciariis ibidem prius consuevit Dat. per manum W. de Merton Cancellar apud Westm 27 die Ianuarii These new Justices were constituted not above 5 weeks after Kings Henries death and they were as all their Predecessors in that Office first instituted by King Rich. the 1 Anno 1194. Iusticiarii sui ad custodiam Iudaeorum suorum to shew that the Jews were nothing else but the Kings own VVards and Villaines and under his custody and protection only as such to tax and plunder them at his pleasure as his Father and Grandfather had done before him It appears by the Liberate of 1 E. 1. m. 1. 2. that the King allowed 20 marks a year to these Justices of the Jews for their Salary And the custody of the Rolls and writs of the Jews
were committed this year to William Middleton as is evident by this Record Cum Rex commiserit Willielm de Middleton Rotulos brevia Iudaismi sui quae sunt in custodia Thesaur Baronum Scaccarii custodiend quamdiu Domino Regi placuerit Mandatum est eisdem Thesaurario et Baronibus quod eidem Will. Rotulos Brevia liberent sicut praedictum est The same year this King in the beginning of his reign caused his peace and protection to be publikely proclaimed as well to all the Jews as others within England and other his Dominions as this record recites for the Jews in Bruges in Flanders Rex Vicecomiti Mall salutem Cum nuper pacem nostram per totum Regnum nostrum publicè proclamaâ—i fecimus et eam omnibus et singulis de regno nostro tam Iudaeis quam Christianis observari praecepimus praecipimus quod Iudaei nostri de Bruges in Balliva tua manuteneas defendas ita quod eis pax nostra prout ejus per totum regnum nostrum proclamari fecimus inviolabiliter observetur Et non exigas vel exigi permittas ab eisdem redemptiones vel alias extorsiones ad opus nostrum vel alicujus alterius nisi quatenus ad debita nostra seu Domini Henrici Regis patris nostri seu Tallagia aut alia ad quae de jure tenentur ab eis levanda ade nostro aut ejusdem Domini Henr. patris nostri mandato Warrantum habueris Datum c. apud Westm 15 die Iunii Yet notwithstanding this protection and peace granted them by the King the very same year the King grants out this Writ to search all their Chests to enroll and certifie him of all their debts and estates that he might tax them all proportionably at his pleasure as he did soon after Rex dilecto fideli suo Thomae de Espernon salutem Quia de debitis in Archa Cirogtafforum Winton Oxon. Marleberg Wilton contentis volumus certiorari vobis mandamus quod ad certum diem quem ad hoâ— provideritis ad Archas praedictas accedatis easdem per visum Cirograf Archarum praedictarum tam Christianorum quam Judaeorum aperiatis et omnia debita in eisdem contenta diligenter scrutari et inrotulari faciatis Mandamus enim Cirograffariis nostris Archarum praedictar quod ad certum diem quem eis scire faciatis ad hoc faciendum vobis assistant et intendant In cujus c. Dat c. apud Westm 20 die Feb. Consimiles Literae diriguntur Hamoni Hatayn de debitis in Archa Cirograf Northampt. Nottingh Ebor. Lincol. Stainf conrents Item Consimiles Literae diriguntur Ade de Winton de debitis in Arca Cirograf Judaeorum Bristoll Oxon Gloucest Wigorn. Hereford et Warw. contentis Item consimiles Literae diriguntur Roberto de Ludham super hujusmodi debitis contentis in Archis Cirograff Judaeorum Bedef Cantebr Colecester et Sudbury In all which Cities and Towns the Jews then inhabited and had common chests wherein their Debts and Morgages were reserved Also according to the former Custome of the Jews in England not to remove into any town where they did not anciently inhabit he sent this Writ to the Barons and Bailiffs of Winchelse to remove some Jews thence who had taken up their habitation there without his special license Rex Baronibus Ballivis suis de Winchelse salutem Quia secundum consuetudinem Iudaismi nostri Angliae in aliis Civitatibus Burgis aut Villis habitare vel morari non debent quam in illis in quibus antiquitus habitare consueverunt morari quidem Iudaei ut intelleximus villam nostram de Winchelse sunt ingressi eam inhabitent in quam nullus Iudaeus aliquibus retroactis temporibus habitare consuevit vel morari Vobis mandamus quod si verum est tunc Iudaeos ab eadem villa absque damno de corporibus seu rebus suis eis faciend sine damno faciatis amoveri Dat. apud Westm 18 die Iunii This King that he might not seem altogether unjust granted forth a Writ to the Sheriff of Oxford in behalf of one Lumbard a Jew of Oxford taken and imprisoned for a fine of fifty marks imposed on one Lumbard a Jew of Bristol for a Trespasse against the Kings Exchange ordering him to be bailed and the mistake examined Rex Vicecom Oxon. salutem Ostensum est nobis ex parte Lumbardi de Krikelad Judaei nostri Oxoniae quod quum quidam Lumbardns Judaeus Bristol amerciatus esset coram Justiciariis Domini Henr. Regis patris nostri ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatis ad quinquaginta marcas pro transgressione excambii ejusdem patris nostri et ipse Lumbardus Judaeus Oxon. de eadem transgressione nunquam calumpniatus nec de praedicta pecunia oneratus extiterit tu easdem 50 marcas ab eodem Lumb de Oxon. Judaeo exigis et omnia bona sua in Balliva tua ea occasione cepisti in manum nostram et insuper ipsum cepisti et in prisona nostra Oxoniae detines Et quia non est juri consonum nec est voluntaris nostrae quod ipse Lumbardus de Oxonia sit in poena pro debitis alterius unde ipse Lumbardus de Oxonia penitus est immunis ut dicitur Tibi praecipimus quod si ipse Lumbardus de Oxonia invenerit tibi sufficientem manucaptionem perconsuetudinem Judaismi nostri de veniendo coram Justiciariis nostris ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatis a die Pascha in 15 dies ad satisfaciendum nobis de praedictis 50 marcis nisi ibidem rationabiliter ostenderit quod non ipse sed alii de dicta pecunia debent onerari tunc ipsum Lumbardum per eandem manucaptionem a prisona qua detinetur deliberari facias omnia bona sua ea occasione capta in manum nostram interim sine distractione sine dampno dicti Judaei reservari facias Et habeas ibi nomina manucaptorum suorum hoc breve Datum c. apud Sanctum Paulum London 4 die Aprilis Dat 20 s. pro hoc Breve habendo No sooner had he provided the foresaid Justices and Guardians for the Jews but he presently imposed new heavy annual Taxes and Tallages on them appointing special Collectors to levy them and their arrerages upon all their goods chattels debts and to banish and abjure the Realm all such Jews together with their wives and children as were rebellious and refused to pay them as these ensuing Patents of his in the 2 year of his reign demonstrate Rex dilectis sidelibus suis Fratri Stephano de Foleburn Ade de Stratten Willielmo de Middleton salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus vos ad omnia arreragia Tallagii super Judaeos nostros Angliae ultimo assessi ad opus nostrum levanda prout citius commodius videritis expedire Dante 's vobis potestatem Arreragia illa de
bonis catallis debitis Judaeorum quos dictorum arreragiorum inveneritis detentores levandi nostro nomine adnuandi nec non dictos Judaeos qui in hac parte Rebelles fuerint vel contradictores per exilium abjurationem Regui nostri si necesse fuerit compellendi ad dicta arreragia pro porcionibus ipsis inde contingentibus nobis sine difficultate qualibet solvenda Et ideo vobis mandamus quod premissa faciatis in forma praedicta Et si forte vos tres ad hoc intendere non poteritis duo vestrum praemissa ficut praedictum est nihilominus exequantur In cujus c. T. Rege apud Westm 20 die Octobris Rex dilectis et fidelibus suis fratri Stephano de Foleburn electo Waterford fratri Luce de Hemmington et Willielmo de Middleton salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus vos ad omnia arreragia Tallagii super Iudaeos nostros Angliae ultimo assessi ad opus nostrum levanda prout citius et commodius videritis expedire Dante 's vobis potestatem arreragia illa de bonis catallis et debitis Judaeorum quos dictotum arreragiorum inveneritis detentores levandi et nostro nomine adnuandi nec non et dictos Judaeos qui in hac parte Rebelles fuerint vel contradictores per exilium et abjurationem regni nostri si necesse fuerit compellendi ad dicta arreragia nobis pro porcionibus ipsis contingentibus sine difficultate qualibet solvenda Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praemissa faciatis in forma praedicta Et fi aliquis Judaeorum illorum ad diem per nos sibi prefixum in solutione porcionis suae defecerit faciatis ipsum cum uxore et pueris suis exceptis puerisillis qui sunt in Tallagio et solverint exire regnum nostrum Angliae et assignetis ei portum Douorum quod infra tertium diem post diem solutionis suae sibi per nos praefixum sit ibi exiturus sicut praedictum est et nunquam rediturus Salvis tamen nobis terris Domibus Reddiribus et omnibus catallis suis et suorum Et si aliquis Judaeus post tertium diem sibi assignatum sicut praedictum est inventus fuerit alibi in Regno nostro quam apud Douorum faciatis de eo Judicium tanquam de illo qui furtive propria catalla nostra asportaverit Et si forte vos tres ad hoc intendere non poteritis duo vestrum praemissa nihilominus exeqauntur In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Luton primo die Novembris By this imposed penal banishment and abjuration of the Realm prescribed by the King in these two Pateuts to such Rebellious contradictory Jews their wives children as refused to pay the arrears of this last imposed Tax it is more than probable that their total and final general banishment and expulsion out of England by the King and his whole Parliament in the 18 year of his reign 16 years after was as compulsory and penal to them as this and no ways voluntary of themselves as Sir Edward Cook hath fansied it against all our Records and Histories In the Clause Roll of this year I find this writ to two of these Collectors for the present levying part of these Arrears upon Elias a Jew of London and paying it into the Wardrobe Rex dilectis fidelibus suis fratri Stephano de Foleburn electo de Waterford Willrelmo de Middleton ad arrerag Tallag Judaeor ultimo super eosdem Judaeos assesso levanda assignatis salutem Mandamus vobis quod illas septies viginti marcas quos Richardus de Tany debet Magistro Eliae filio magistri Mosseo Iudaeo London sine dilatione liberari facias in Garderoba nostra eas eidem Judaeo in dicto Tallagio suo allocari facias Teste Rege apud Westm 20 die Octobris It is observable that the first person named as a Collector of the Arrears of this Tax of the Jews in all these 3. Records was a Frier and Bishop Elect of Waterford in Ireland How the Jews who neglected refused or were unable to satisfie their Taxes were handled by these Collectors and imprisoned in the Tower of London till they either paid or secured them to the King out of their best Debts these Records of the ensuing year will discover Rex Thesaurario et Baronibus suis de Scaccario salutem Mandamus vobis quod Sampsonem filium Magistri Miles de Stanford Samuelem fil Maneser de Lincoln Vnim fil Garflye Abrahamum fil Droye de Holms Elyam fil Vrssellae de Lincoln et Abrahamum fil Samuelis captos et detentos in prisona nostra Turris London Pro Tallagio suo deliberari faciatis Ipsos etiam de corporibus suis pacem habere permittatis usque ad quindenam Sancti Michaelis prox futur et praedictorum Judaeorum Tallagium super eos assessum de clarioribus debitis suis interim levari faciatis Ita quod nisi in quindena praedicta de praedicto Tallagio suo ad plenam satisfecerint ad Prisonam nostram praedictam revertantur ibidem gratiam nostram expectand Teste Rege apud Kenynton X. die Julii Mandatum est Justiciariis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis et Willielmo de Middleton quod executionem Brevium Regis quae pro diversis Judaeis receperunt super allocationem vel respectum de Tallagio super ipsis ultimo assesso habend per ipsos faciend supersedeant omnino nisi aliud eis inde duxerit demandandum T. R. apud Westm X. die Iunii Rex Justiciariis ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatis et Willielmo de Middleton salutem monstravit Nobis Hakus fil Roes de Ebor. Iudaeus quod cum ipse Nobis de Tallagio super ipsum ultimo assesso satisfecerit ad plenū vos occasione quorundam Catallorum sub nomine Solomonis fil Isaac dudum defuncti in manu nostra existent quandam pecuniae summam occasione dicti Tallagii exigitis minus juste Et ideo vobis mandamus quod si Nobis constiterit quod catalla praedicta fuerunt in manu nostra die quo dictum Tallagium assessum fuerat et quod dictam pecuniam à praefato Hako occasione Catallorum illorum et non alia exigatis et quod Nobis de toto Tallagio suo praedicto satisfecerit ut praedictum est tunc corpus suum ea occasione detentum prout justum fuerit deliberari faciatis T. R. apud Westm X. die Iunii Rex eisdem et Willielmo de Middleton ad Tallagium super eosdem Iudaeos Angliae nuper assessum colligendum deputatis salutem Mittimus vobis Petitionem Aaronis Crespyn Judaei nostri London praesentibus interclusam Vobis mandantes quatenus retentis in manu nostra de clariobus debitis ipsius Iudaei in Thesaur nostra existentibus usque ad summam Arreragiarum Tallagii super eundem Iudaeum ultimo assessi et aliis
proved at large not in the 18 year of his reign as Sir Edward Cooke very grosly mistakes which I shall infallibly evidence by these two Records in 4 E. 1. the very next year after their enacting which I have formerly touched and shall here transcribe at large expresly citing these very Statutes and awarding execution according to their prescription and words Rex Justiciariis suis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Ex parte Gamalielis de Oxon. Judaeo London Nobis est ostensum quod cum nuper Saero de Geregrave per diversas Cartas quandam pecuniae summam mutuasset et idem Saerus qui tunc temporis pro libero habebatur servilis conditionis nunc existens ut dicitur omnes terras et tenementa sua quae libere dare vendere potuit obligare ad voluntatem suam post confectionem praedictarum Cartarum in tantum vendidit diversis Christianis adhuc eadem tenentibus quod nihil penes ipsum remansit praeter quandam portionem terrae quam nunc tenet in Villenagio et quam vendere nece alicui obligare potuit per quod dictus Judaeus de praedicto debito suo minus juste elongatur Volentes igitur eidem Judaeo ad debitnm suum recuperandum pro ut justum fuerit subvenire ita quod in hac parte sibi non fiat injnria Vobis mandamus quod licet sic fuerit quod dictus Saerus terras et ten quae tempore confectionis praedict Cart. libere tenuit post illud tempus vendidit nunc servilis conditionis extiterit propter hoc non omittatis quin per Sacramentum 12 liberorum legalium hominum per quod rei veritas melius sciri poterit et qui nulla affinitate attingunt praedictum Saorum vel tenentes terras tenementa praedicta diligenter inquiri faciatis quas terras redditus tenementa dictus Saerus habuit tempore confectionis praedictarum Cartarum quae tunc aut postea libere dare vendere obligare potuit ad voluntarem suam qui praedictas terras reddit us tenementa quae sunt vadium praedict Judaei pro praedicto debito nunc tenent quantum valeant per annum quantum quilibet inde tenet Et tunc inspectis debitis dicti Judaei ad quantum videlicet se extendunt SECUNDUM STATUTA NOSTRA IUDAISMI omnes quos praedictarum terrarum reddit et tenementer quae idem Saerus libere 〈…〉 potuiâ— tempore praedicto ut praedictum est et quae sunt vadium ipsius Jâ—dai per praedictam Inquisitionem tenentes inveneritis in quorum manibus existant distringi faciatis viz. tam praefatum Saerum si aliquam liberam terram teneat quam alios singulatim pro portione ipsum de praedicto debito contingenâ—e eidem Judaeo solvend Et si idem Saerus aut aliquis Christianus de praedictis tenentibus aliquod Staâ—rum acquietantiae vel recepti de praedicto Judaeo ostendere poterit illud eidem faciatis allocari T. R. apnd West 6. die Junii Rex Thesaurario et Baronibus suis de Scaccario et VVilâ—ielmo de Middleton saluâ—em Cùm Secundum Assisam et Statuta Iudaismi nostri Judaei nostri in Regno nostro habere debeant a Christianis debitoribus medietatem terrarum redituum et Catallorum suorum quousque debita sua perceperint ac Willielmus de Lascel de Oteringham qui Gamalieli de Oxon Judaeo per plures et diversas Cartas in centum et quinquaginta Libris et amplius tenetur non habeat terras aut tenementa in quibus distringi possit nisi viginti libras quas Johannes fil Mart. de Oteringham ei debet et centum solidâ—s et duodecim quarteria frumenti annui redditus percipiend à dicto Johanne ad terminum vitae ipsius Will. Volentes praefato Iudaeo ad debita sua praedicta recuperanda subvenire Vobis mandamus quod si ita est tunc praedicto Judaeo Secundum Statutum praedictum habere facias medietatem dictarum 20 librarum et medietatem dictorum centum solidorum et 12. quarter frumenti per annum quousque dictus Iudaeus Iuxta Statutum Nostrum de Iudaismo editum debitum suum perceperit antedictum Et nolumus quod praedict Willielmus possit dare vendere vel alienare medietatem dictarum 20 librarum nec medietatem dicti annui redditus quousque dict debitum praefato Judaeo plenarie per solvatur T. Rege apud Westm 14 die Maii. In these two memorable Records Anno 4 E. 1. wee have an expresse recital of the Statute de Iudaismo no less than 4 several times not only in words and substance but by name by these various stiles Statuta nostra Iudaismi Statuta Iudaismi nostri Secundum Statutum praedictum Juxta Statutum nostrum de Iudaismo editum Therefore beyond all contradiction this Statute could not be first made in the 18 year of King Edw the 1. as Sir Edw Cook most confidently affirms 3. or 4. several times in his slight Commentary upon it being 14 years after these Records which could not recite and command execution upon it so long before its making but in the 3d. year of his reign as I have fully evinced elsewhere both by Histories reasons and a brief touch of these Records which mistakes with others forecited I doubt not but himself would have publiquely retracted had he been living upon my clear discoveries of them which I now presume will henceforth mislead no persons since his decease as they have done most heretofore This stumbling block of his touching the true date of the Statute de Iudaismo being removed I shall proceed to other Records of the same year pertinent to my Subject Rex Iusticiariis suis ad Custodiam Iudaeorum assignatis salutem Quia accepimus quod Dominus Henricus Rex Pater noster habere solebat in Scaccario suo Iudaeorum quendam Iudaeum intendentem Officio Escaetariae de tenementis et catallis quae ad ipsum Patrem nostrum accidere debent per mortem vel transgressionem Iudaeorum vel quacunque alia ratione Et quod Nos nullum Iudaeum seu alium habemus nec habuimus post mortem ejusdem Patris nostri qui Officio praedicto intendat propter quod damnum non modicum hactenus sustinuimus ut accepimus Nos indempnitati nostrae prospici volentes in hac parte assignavimus Benedictum de Winton Iudaeum ad Officium praedictum exequendum in forma praedicta Et ideo vobis mandamus quod accepto ab eodem Sacramento corporali quod fideliter se habebit in Officio praedicto quamdiù steterit in eodem ipsum Benedictum ad Officium illud admittatis in forma praedicta T. Rege apud Westm. xix die Iulii In this Record we have both the Office Oath and imployment of the Kings Escheator of the Jews expressed to the full which no Histories or Law-books
mention In the same Roll and Membrana there is this ensuing record reciting the Kings authority to release or assign the Jews Debts at his pleasure and the Tallages imposed on them which were some times satisfied by Bills Rex Justiciariis suis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Cum celebris memoriae Dominus Hen Pater noster dudum in recompensationem arreragiorum quae restabant reddenda Philippo de Arcy de annuo feodo viginti Librarum quod à dicto Patre nostro dudum recipere consuevit et quae idem Philippâ—s dicto Patri nostro ex toto remisit pardonavit eidem Philippo quoddam debitum centum librarum quod debuit Magistro Elye fil Magist Mossei et Gamelino Judaeis London et quoddam debitum viginti librar quod debuit eisdem Iudaeis de annuo feodo et idem Pater noster vobis mandavit quod eundem Philippum de praedict debitis quietum esse et Cartas per quas dictis Iudâ—is tenebatur in debitis praedictis ei restitui et eisdem Judaeis in Tallagiis suis vel aliis debitis quae Dom. Patri nostro debuerunt praedicta debita allocari faceretis sicut per inspectionem Rotulorum Cancellariae praedict Patris nostri Nobis constat quaedam pecuniae summa de praedict feodo vigint librarum praedict Iudaeis adhuc restat allocanda Vobis mandamus sicut alias mandavimus quod eisdem Iudaeis id quod adhuc restat allocand in hac parte in Tallagio suo super ipsos assesso tempore nostro vel in debitis si quae nobis debent allocatis T. R. apud Estwode 13 die Julii William Middleton one of the chief Collectors of the Jews Taxes and Arrears in this Kings reign was so imployed in keping the Records of the Common-pleas this year that he could not well attend his Collectors office which occasioned these iusuing writs to discharge him from this Office and for others to execute it and for him to deliver up the keys writs and rolls of them and the Jews to others imployed therein Rex dilecto Clerico suo Wil de Middleton salutem Advertentes quod vos Officio Custodiae Rotulorum nostrorum coram Justiciariis nostris de Banco taliter estis onerati quod levationem arreragiorum Tallagii Judaismi nostri vel Vicessimae Nobis concessae commode vacare non potestis et volentes Breve exhonerationis in hac parte providere vos ab Officio levationis arreragiorum praedictorum tenore praesentium duximus absolvend In cujus c. T. R. apud Westm 23 die Julii Rex dilecto Clerico suo Wil de Middleton salutem Advertentes quod vos ex Custodia Rotulorum et Breuium nostrorum ac aliorum Instrumentorum placit Banci nostri Westmon tangentium quae vobis custodiend commissimus taliter estis onerati quod examinat collectionis vicessimae nostrae cum dilecto Clerico nostro Nicolao de Castro vel collect et levat Tallagii nostri Judaeorum Justiciariis nostris ad Custod Judaeorum assignatis diutius absque dampno vacare non potestis Nos vestri exonerationi volentes in hac parte provideri Vobis mandamus quod Claves quas de praedicta vicessima et de praedicto Tallagio penes vos habetis liberetis Baronibus nostris de Scaccario ut ipsi claves illas aliis qui de praedictis Officiis fideliter se intromittant committere possint prout ad opus nostrum viderint expedire In cujus c. T. Rege apud VVestmon 23 die Julii Manndatum est VVil de Middleton quod Rotulos Brevia Judaismi Regis liberet Ade de Wynton custodiend quamdiu Regi placuerit Et hoc nuslatenus omittat In cujus c. T. Rege apud VVestm 9 die Junii You have frequently heard before of the publick Chests of the Jews VVritings and Charters wherein they were all reserved for the searching of which for several ends either to ascertain the King of their estates or to deliver up stars and obligations in them that were really satisfied to the parties bound in them or to search for and take out their particular writings and debts upon every occasion we have several Presidents in sundry Rolls especially in this 4 year of King Edward the 1. three whereof I shall only recite Rex dilectis fideliibus suis Gregorio de Rokesly Barthol de Castello Radulpho de Broghton salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus vos ad Archas Cirograf Judaeorum nostrorum London scrutandas ad Cartas quas quietas inveneritis de hoc vobis veraciter constiterit ab eisdem Archis extrahendas in quadam alia cista per se ad alias Cartas nomine Christianorum bellicatas nondum quietatas in alia cista per se ad alias Cartas in quibus debita clara consistunt in tertia cista per se reponendas Ita quod cistae illae sigillis vestris sigillentur et salvo custodiantur donec aliud inde praeciperimus Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praedista faciatis in forma praedicta In cujus c. T. R. apud Odiham 6 die Augnsti Rex dilectis sibi in Christo Abbati de Colcest et Walt. de Essex salutem Sciatis quod assign vos ad Archas Cirograf Judaismi nostri Colcest et Suthbiry aperiend et ad scrutand examinand Cartas ad omnia debita in Archis illis inventa et ad omnia illa irrotulandae et ad plenum scrutinium inde faciend et ad omnia ea nobis aperte et distincte sub sigillis vestris referenda Et ideo vobis mandamus quod ad certos dies quos ad hoc provideritis Arch. praedict as aperiatis et Cartas et omnia debita in eis inventa diligenter scrutemini et facto scrutinio illo diligenter illa irrotuletis et Archis illis sic secure reclusis eas sigillis vestris sigilletis Ita quod non aperiantur donec aliud inde duxerimus Ordinandum Proviso insuper quod nullas Cartas extra easdem Archas existentes ponatis in easdem nec aliquas infra easdem Archas existentes ab eisdem extrahatis vel aliquo modo extrahi permittatis Et si quas â—artas in in anibus Cirografforum nostrorum inveneritis extra Archas illas eas per se irroâ—ulari et in securo loco reponi faciaâ—is In cujus rei c. T. Rege apud Turr. Lond. 27 die Novembr Eodem modo assignatur Rogerus de Northwode una cum aliquo alio fideli Regis quem sibi associaverit ad aperiendas Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis Cantuar. Eodem modo assign Robertus de Ludham et Willus Gerebert ad aperiendas Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis VVinton Oxon. et de Devisis Eodem modo assign Nicholaus de Stapleton et Abbas sanctae Mariae Eborum ad aperiend Archas Cirograf Judaismi Regis de Ebor. Eodem modo assign Prior Sanctae
suis usque ad summam praedictum debitorum ad opus nostrum in recompensationem eorundem capiatiâ— vel sibi juxta quantitatem catallorum suorum in Archa Cirografforum Iudaeorum exeuntem rationabiles terminos ad quos dâ—bita illa solvere possit salva sibi et familiae suae sustentatione sua assignari faciatis et catalla sua ea occasione in manum nostram capta sibi interim restituifaciatis Testâ—meipso apud VVindsore 28 die Maii. If the rich wealthy Jews in foreign parts have a desire to be impoverished and fleeced of all their wealth by uncessant arbitrary annual Taxes imposed on them at the Assessors pleasures let them now come into England for that purpose where they shall find persons more skilfull and powerfull to tax and excise them now every moneth or two then those who taxed these their Ancestors only once a year till they have scarce a subsistence left them The Jews Usury being totally suppressed to please the Christians by the Statute de Judaismo the King to enable them to pay their Taxes and subsist granted general Licenses to them to exercise merchandizing according to that Statute as this Record demonstrates Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Cum propter Inhibitionem quam ad commoditatem Christianorum de Usuris poenis Judaismi nostri Nuper fieri fecimus Concessimus quod Judaei regni nostri Merchandiâ—as legales exercere valeant in eodem regno Iuxta formam Statuti inde de Consilio nostro provisâ— Volumus concedimus quod Magister Elyas 〈◊〉 Magistri Mossei Cresseus fil ejusdem Elie Aaron fil Vynes Judaei nostri London hujusmodi Merchandisas exerceant in regno praedicto et quod debitores suos qui eisdem Judaeis per scripta vel alio modo legitime obligati fuerint ad mercandisas et alia quae eis rationabiliter debuerint soluenda per Jnsticiarios ad custod Judaeorum assignatos distringantur secundum legem consuetudinem Regni nostri In cujus c. T. R. apud Windsore 30 die Maii. By this Record of 5 E. 1. it is most apparent that the Statute de Iudaismo prohibiting Usury to the Jews and enabling them to exercise Merchandise was not made in 18 E. 1. as is erroniously affirmed by Sir Edward Cook being 13 years after this Patent which twice precisely mentions it in these words Inhibitionem quam c. nuper fieri fecimus and Juxta formam Statuti inde de Consilio nostro prouisi but in the 3 year of his reigne scarce two years before it as I have here formerly manifested by two other records in 4 E. 1. the very next year after it And it is likewise evident by this record that the banishment of the Jews Usury out of England by this Statute did not cause them voluntarily ro banish themselves out of England as he grosly asserts since they continued here 15 years after notwithstanding all their Usury was suppressed In this last Patent the King seemes to speak to the Jews with Iacobs Voice but in the very first Patent concerning them the next year after he discovers his Esau's hands imposing an heavy Taxe upon their decayed estates with greatest rigor in the exacting of ir witness this memorable Commission to their Aegyptian Task-masters which I fear some now of late do imitate even towards their English Christian Brethren Rex dilectis fidel suis Fratri Josepho de Chancy Priori Hospit Sancti Johannis Jerusalem in Anglia Waltero de Helynn Johanni de Cobham Philippo de Willeby salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus vos ad assidendum quoddam Tallagium super Communitatem Iudaeorum nostrorum ad opus nostrum quà m citius et commodius videritis expedire et prout vobis inâ—unximus viva voce Dante 's vobis potestatem praedictum Tallagium de bonis catallis et debitis praedictorum Judaeorum levandi et nomine nostro adnuandi nec non et hujusmodi Iudaeos qui in hac parte Rebelles fuerint Per Exilium et Abjurationem Regni si necesse fuerit compellendi ad dictum Tallagium pro proportionibus ipsos contingentibus Nobis fine Difficultate qualibet persolvenâ— Et ideo vobis mandamus quod praemissa faciatis informa praedicta Teste Rege apud Windsore 15 die Iulii Et mandatum est universis et singulis Iudaeis infra regnum Angliae constitutis quod eisdem Josepho Waltero Johanni et Philippo in praemissis intendentes sint et respondentes in forma praedicta In cujus c. Teste â—t supra We may perceive by this Commission how intollerably the poor Jews were taxed and fleeced by the Kings Tax-masters every year and what rigorous penalties and assessments were extorted from them yet neither these heavy uncessant annual Tallages nor the banishment of their Usury by the forementioned Statute would expel or force them hence before a direct Edict of Parliament and Proclamation for their exile by a set day under pain of hanging some years after this enjoyned banishment and abjuration to such as refused to pay this Tallage ferretted them all ouâ— of England In the 7th year of King Edward the first I find this memorable Writ Proclamation and Edict of his to his Justices for the inhibiting and punishing the Blasphemies of the Jews then frequent against Christ crucified and the faith of Christ Jesus with loss of Life and Member with other strict Orders for preventing their Apostacyes and propagation of their Jewish Rites and all communion betwixt them and Christians worthy our special observation Rex dilectis 〈◊〉 fidelibus suis Stephano de Pentecester VValtero de Helynn Johanni de Cobham Iusticiariis suis ad Placita Transgressionum Monetae audienda et terminanda assignatis et dilecto Clerico suo Philippo de VVylegheby salutem Quia datum est Nobis intelligi Quod quidam Judaei Regni nostri fidem Catholicam et Sacra Ecclesiastica hactenus diversimode Blasphemare non formidarunt nec adhuc formidant in Divini nominis contumeliam et totius Christianae profefsionis opprobrium Nos hujusmodi Blasphemias sicut Principem Catholicum decet reprimi cupientes Volumus Quod nullus Iudaeus taliter de caetero blasphemare praesumat videlicet aliquod erronenm detestabile aut abhominabile dicendo vel faciendo in Blasphemia Crucifixi fidei Catholicae seu beatissimae matris Mariae Virginis seu Ecclesiasticorum Sacramentorum Volumus etiam quod hoc per omnia loca Regni nostri in quibus Iudaei morantur publice proclamatur et ne aliquis Iudaeus sub periculo Vitae et Membrorum talia facere vel dicere praesumat Et si quis notorius Blasphemat or inveniatur ita quod per Inquisitionem per Sacramentum Christianorum bonorum et graviorum inde convinci possit evidenter Volumus quod quilibet talis puniretur secundum quod in hujusmodi casibus alias fieri consuevit Idem fiat de ipsis
ut supra Rex dilect et fidel suis Stephano de Pentecester Walt. de Helynn Ioh. de Cobham Justiciar ad placita Monetae audiend et terminand assignatis salutem Quia Omnes Judaei nuper rectati et per certam suspicionem indictati de retonsura Monetae nostrae et inde convicti cum ultimo supplicio puniuntur et quidam eorum eadem occasione omnia bona et catalla sua forisfecerunt et in prisona nostra liberantur in eadem ad voluntatem nostram detinendi Volumus quod omnes illi Judaei qui bona et catalla sua forisfecerunt ut praedict est et qui in prisona nostra ea occasione detinentur et qui pro deliberatione corporum suorum finem facere voluerint vobiscum ad opus nostrum hujusmodi finem juxta vestram discretionem facere possint Et quod mulieres Judeae quae fuerunt uxores Judaeorum dampnatorum et etiam uxores Judaeorum quorum bona et catal forisfact sunt et quae habent unde redimi possunt similit fin facere possunt vobisc ad opus nostr juxta discretionem vestram et juxta quantit bonorum quae viri â—ui habuerunt et quae nondum inventa et per eosdem Judaeos occulte deponantur et sic per hujusmodi finem a prisona qua occasione praedict detinentur deliberari Ita quod Judeae pauperes quae fuerunt uxores hujusmodi dampnat Judeorum et similiter uxores Judaeorum quae bona et catalla sua forisfecerunt et quae non habent unde redimi possunt per vos absque redemptione deliberentur a Prisona Volumus insuper et mandamus quod citra festum sancti Ioh. Baptistae de terris et tenementis Judaeorum hujusmodi quae sunt escaeta nostra diligenter inquiratis in quibuscunque locis existent et pro quanto vendi possint et quis plus dare velit pro eisdem et nobis precium inde citius persolvere Ita quod inde infra Terminum praedict ad plenam nos cerciorare possitis Et ideo vobis mandamus quod fines hujusmodi a dictis Judaeis tam Masculis quam femellis et omnia praemissa faciatis in forma praedicta Test Rege ut supra Consimiles literae diriguntur Iohan. Beks et sociis suis Justiciariis ut supra T. R. ut supra Consimiles literae diriguntur Barthol de Suleye et sociis suis Justiciar ut supra T. R. ut supra Besides these Patents to the Justices the King then issued forth special Patents and Commissions to divers others to sell the Houses and Tenements of the coudemned and hanged Jews for his best advantage in this form Rex omnibus c. salutem Sciatis quod dedimus potestatem dilectis et fidel nostris Thomae de Sodyngton Hugoni de Lendale et Majori Eborum ad domos nostras quae sunt escaeta nostra in civitate Eborum et extra per feloniam quorundam Judaeorum ibid. et alibi nuper suspensorum et tenementa quorundam aliorum Judaeorum qui se in patriam ponere renuerunt vendendi et homines inde feoffandi prout ad opus nostrum magis viderint expedire Dedimus etiam potestatem dilecto et fideli nostro Hamoni Hauteyn praedict Hugoni et Thomae fil Roberti ad hujusmodi domos in Civitate Lincoln et extra vendendi in forma praedicta Dedimus etiam potestatem eisdem Hamori Hugoni Gilberto de Cestreton ad hujusmodi domos in Villa Stanford et extra vendendi in forma praedicta Dedimus etiam potestatem eisdem Hamoni Hugoni Vicecomiti Warw. ad hujusmodi domos in Villa Warw. et extra vendendi in forma praedicta Ratum habituri et firmum quicquid praedicti fideles nostri vel duo eorum in singulis Comitatibus Villis praedictis nomine nostro duxerint faciendum Nos enim factum eorum in hac parte per Literas nostras Patentes ratificabimus In cujus c. T. Rege apud Westm 17 die Novemb. The like Letters Patents and Commission were then issued forth to others to sell the condemned and executed Jews houses lands rents in other places Rex dilecto fideli suo Willielmo de Braybeof salutem Sciatis quod dedimus vobis potestatem vendendi omnes terras et redditus Judaeorum dampnatorum pro transgressionibus sibi impositis in locis in quibus vos ad inquirendum de hujusmodi Transgressionibus assignati estis prout vobis injunximus viva voce et prout ad opus nostrum magis videbitur vobis expedire Et ideo vobis mandamus quod hujusmodi domos terras et redditus Judaeorum sic dampnatorum vendatis in forma praedicta Ita quod de Exitibus venditionis illius Nobis respondere possetis ad mandatum nostrum In cujus c. T. Rege apud Brehul 1 die Aug. When the Jews had all made fines and ransoms for their Trespasses with the Kings Justices and Commissioners as aforesaid then he sent forth a proclamation that they might freely exercise their lawfull Trades Merchandizes with Christians and one another as formerly and buy victuals with other necessaries and have such communion with Christians as they were wont prohibiting any to lay violent hands upon or molest them as this Record with others of the like nature to other Sheriffs attests Mandatum est Vicecomiti Eborum quod in pleno Comitatu Eborum et in Civitate praedicta publice proclamari faciat Quod Judaei ibidem de rebus et mercandisis licitis cum omnibus tam Christianis quam Judaeis libere negociari possint et victualia alia necessaria ab omnibus emere et inter Christianos conversari prout premissa facere consueverunt temporibus retroactis Firtuiter etiam inhiberi fâ—cias ne qui in eos manus violentas injiciant vel alias eis malefaciant contra pacem Regis King â—â—wâ—rd the 1. in the 8. year of his reign issued forth these Letters paâ—ents following for the sale of all the condemned Jews houses Lands and Tenements in London and 14 other several Counties named in them in all which they had Lands Tenements and Possessions 〈…〉 small value 〈…〉 ad quos c. salutem Sciatis quod dediâ—â—us potestaâ—em pro vobis haeredibus nostris dilecto 〈◊〉 nostro Waltero de 〈◊〉 vendendi nomine nostro 〈◊〉 domos terras tenementa cum pertinentiis quae fuerunt quo umcunque Iudaeorum quae ad manum nostram tanquam Escaeta nostra per foâ—isfactur am eorundem occasione transgressionum monetam nostram tangentiuÌ„ devenerunt videlicet in Civitate London Comitatibus Middle Sussex Surr. Kanc ' Essex Hertf. Norf. Suff. Cantuar. Hunt Bucks Bedf. Oxon. Berks. Ita quod ipsi qui ea emerint à praefato Waltero ea habeant et teneant sibi et haeredibus suis in perpetuum In cujus c. T. Rege apud Windsore 28 die
Laici etiam quos ad artificia seu Ministeria secularia addiscenda aptos esse noveritis adeo decaetero deputentur ut habeant singuli eorum sustentationes suas de portionibus eisdem de bonis praedictis rationabiliter assignandis Quod si praedicti Scolares clerici aliquod beneficium Ecclesiasticum adipiscivaleant de quo sustentationem suam rationabilem habere possint subtrahantur eis ex tunc portiones praedictae eas aliis conversis seu convertendis indigentibus facias assignari Et hoc idem fiat de Laicis supradictis quam cito se possint de artificiis seu ministeriis suis sustentationem competentem habere Proviso inter caetera quod de redditibus bonis praedictis quae ultra sustentationem conversorum capellanorum et Ministrorum Ecclesiae superesse contigerit ad fabricam ornatum Capellae predictae divini cultus augmentum faciatis ibidem Provide deputari Et si quae in domo praedicta in personis aut rebus corrigenda seu reformanda videritis ea corrigi reformari cum omni diligentia facias prout indempnitati et honestati dictae domus magis videbitis expedire In cujus c. T. Reg. apud Westm 3 die Junii Yet all this care and diligence both of the King and Preaching Friers forementioned made very few Jewish Converts in that age and those only of the pâ—â—rer sort rather to get a livelyhood to sustein them in this house than out of any real affection to Christ or Christianity In the Plea Rolls of the Kings Exchequer for the Jews in the 9 year of his reign I find this Gardian of the House of the Converts suing forth this ensuing Writ for the moity of the goods and chattels of one Belager an Oxford Jew converted to the Chrisâ—ian faith by vertue of the forementioned Patent whereupon they were delivered unto him for the use of the House as the Record it self will more largely expresse Placita apud Scaccarium Judaeorum Termino Pasche Anno Regis Bdwardi novo part 7. Johannes de sancto Dionisio Custos Domus conversorum tulit Breve Regis de magno sigillo in haec verba Edwardus c. Justiciariis ad custodiam Judaeorum c. assignatis salutem Ex parte conversorum domus nostrae London nobis est ostensum quod cum medietas bonorum catallorum Judâ—orum conversorum sen convertendorum ad fidem Catholicam ad conversos Domus nostrae praedict ratione concessionis nostrae eis inde factae pertineat alia medietate illis qui sic a tempore concessionis nostrae praedict convertunt reservata ac Belager Judeus Oxon. nuper ad fidem Catholicam se converterit c. Thereupon the King commanded that according to his former Charters the one moiety of the goods should be delivered to the convert for his â—ustentation and the other moity to the House of the converts T. Rege apud Woodstock 25 die Aprilis An. Regni nostri nono Per hoc Breve liberantur eidem Johanni bona catalla subscripta videlizet de bonis catallis praedicti conversorum viz. vnus liber Prest Constit precii 12 d. unus Grecismus precii 6 d. una Legenda precii 10 d. unum Doctrinale magnum precii 1 d. quidam liber Constitutionum precii 4 s. quidam codex precii 16 s. quoddam insciatum precii 16 s. e. In the Plea Rolls of this Term and year Pasche 9 E. 1. rot 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. there are very many actions brought by Jews against Christians and Christians against Jews and one Jew against another and many STARS as well of Grant and Release as Obligatory and by way of Morgage pleaded and recited at large and issues joyned upon them whether they were their Stars or Deeds or not when denied by them to bee their Deeds which issues were tried by a Jury of 6. Legal Christians and 6 Jews Their Starrum and Starra as they are there stiled began in this form Solomon Judaeus de Stanford cognovit per Starrum suum c. that he was obliged to such a one in such a summe or that he had assigned and granted such a Debt Starre or Morgage to such a one or that he had released such a Debt Star or Morgage And in their Stars of Release they added this clause Et si inveniatur Carta salis vel obligatio in Archa Cirografforum vel extra nomine praedicti Solomonis c. quod quieta sit et nil valeat quod recognoscit hoc idem sigillo suo When issue was joyned upon Non est factum concerning any of their Stars or Deeds the entry upon the trial by 6 sworn legal Christians and Jews in those Rolls was usually in this form Et Inquisitio inde venit à die Pasche in tres Septim nunc per Thomam Clinch Johannem Hubbard Abraham Sampson c. et alios probos et legales homines Iudaeos expressing all their names Qui dicunt super Sacramentum suum quod praedictum STAR est factum praedicti Solomonis et litera Ebraica manu sua propria signatum quod dictum STARRUM fecit tempore quo habuit liberam administrationem benorum suorum c. I shall transcribe only one of these Records as a Pattern of most of the rest whereby the form of the Legal Process and Proceedings before the Justices assigned for their Custody will be more fully manifested to the Readers together with the forme of their Stars of Release Cum Alicia quae fuit Uxor Clementis de Poringland districta fuisset pro xl s. ad opus Regis de Debito Gente quae fuit uxor Ayey fil Deulegin Eadem Alicia venit et clamat habere quietantiam de dicto debito per quoddam STARRUM coram c. in haec verba Isaac filius Jurn et Muriel Leveske Judaei testantur quod Gente de Glocest concedit quod Alicia quae fuit uxor Clementis de Poringland et haeredes sni quieti sint de ipsa et haeredibus suis de omnibus Demandis Calumniis Placitis a creatione seculi usque ad Pentecosten Anno Edwardi 4to Et si aliquis Judaeus homo vel foemina quid exigat vel calumniatur versus praedictam Aliciam occasione alicujus Debiti quod eidem Gente debebat a principio seculi usque ad praedict festum Pentecost supradict Gente eam est acquietare defendere warrantizare Et praedicti Judaei testantur quod eadem Gente spontanea voluntate hoc recognovit et quod istud STARR est factum praedictae Gente factum quo tempore habuit liberam administrationem bonorum suorum et petit quod inquiratur Ideo praeceptum est Vicecomiti quod venire faciat coram Justiciariis sex probos et legales homines Christianos et sex legales Iudaeos de Civitate Norwic. ad dies c. Et quia constat per praedictam
remove them thence The second commanding the Collector of the condemned Jews goods and estates and his Clerks to give an Account thereof and of the summe they amounted unto The 3d commanding the Sheriffs in all Counties where they resided with two discreet and legal Knights of the County to seal up and secure all their Chests and Charters in them till farther order The 4th commanding the Justices assigned for the Custody of the Jews to certifie the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer the state of all the Jews Debts and to distinguish which were clear debts and which not that so they might be there recovered for the Kings use I shall recite them in order as they are recorded the Writs bearing date the 11th year before Edwardus Dei Gratia Rex Angliae Dominus Hiberniae Dux Aquitaniae Justiciariis suis ad custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Quia secundum consuetudinem Judaismi nostri Iudaei nostri in aliis Civitatibus Burgis aut Villis habitare aut morari non debent quam in illis quibus Archa Chirographar Iudaeorum existat et diversi Iudaei diversas villas in Regno nostro sunt ingressi eas inhabitant in quibus hujusmodi Archa non existat per quod eosdem Iudaeos ab hujusmodi villis volumus amoveri Vobis mandamus firmiter injungentes quod universos singulos Iudaeos in Civitatibus Burgis et Villis in quibus dicta Archa non existit habitantes seu morantes absque damno eis de corporibus seu de rebus suis faciendo sine dilatione faciatis amoveri ab eisdem Ita quod ipsi Judaei ab eisdem villis modis omnibus amoveantur ante quindenam Pasche prox futuram Non permittentes ipsos in hujusmodi villis habitare decetero vel morari Et ita vos habeatis in hoc mandato nostro exequendo quod non oporteat Nos vobis iterata mandata nostra diâ—igere ex hac causa T. Rege apud Newark 28 die Jan. Anno Regni nostri 11. Edwardus Dei gratia Rex Angliae c. Dilecto et fideli suo waltero de Warham nuper receptori bonorum catallorum quorundam Judaeorum dampnatorum salutem Quia quibusdam de causis super summa exituum bonorum et catallorum praedict volumus certiorari Vobis mandamas quod die Pasche proximo futuro in quinque Septimanas sitis coram Thesaur Baronibus nostris de Scaccario una cum clericis et rotulis vestris de bonis et catallis illis ut iidem Clerici compotum reddant tunc ibidem de exitibus praedictis et ulterius faciant ea quae compotum et negotium illud conâ—ingunt T. R. ut supra Eodem modo mandatum est Ioh. Beks Ade Kirketon and 7. others more there named Rex Vic Midd. salutem Praecipimus tibi quod assumptis tecum duobus de discretionibus et legalioribus Militibus ejusdem Comitatus in propria scil persona tua accedas ad universas singulas Archas Cyrograf Judaeorum in Balliva tua existentes et eas sigillis eorundem Militum et sigillo tuo consignari facias Ita quod Archae illic sic consignatae cum Rotulis in locis quibus nunc existunt sub tua costodia remaneant donec aliud inde praeceperimus et hoc nullo modo omittas T. ut supra Eodem modo mandatur Vic. Linc. Cant. Hunt Kanc. Warw. Leicest Norff. Suff. Wigorn Northampt. Surrey Sussex Colcest Oxon Berks Hereford Essex Hertford Glocest Darby Bedeford Notingh Devon Cornub. Wilts Suthampt. Exon Devises Ebor. Rex Justiciariis suis ad Custodiam Judaeorum assignatis salutem Quia volumus quod Thesaur Barones nostri de Scaccario super omnibus debitis quae nobis debontur ad Scaccarium Judaismi nostri ex quacunque causa per vos ad plenum certificentur Vobis mandamus quod ad certum diem quem praedict Thesaur Barones vobis scire facient coram ipsis in Scaccario praedicto cum rotulis vestris veniatis ad certificandum ipsis super debitis praedictis quae videlicet sunt clara et quae non clara ut ex tunc debita illa levantur secundum consuetudinem Scaccarii praedicti et hoc nullatenus omittatis T. ut supra Moreover In the Patent Rolls of this 12 year the King granted this ensuing Commission to enquire of all the concealed goods and chattels of those formerly condemned and of their clipping falsifying counterfeiting money and trading with others in such deceitfnl coyn Rex dilectis fidelibus suis Solomoni de Roff. Magist Hen de Bray et Hen de Waleyes salutem Sciatis quod assignavimus vos ad inquirendum per Sacramentum tam Christianorum quam Judaeorum per quos c. de omnibus bonis et catallis quorumcunque Indaeorum dampnatorum nobis concelatis et modo et ad quorum manus hujusmodi bona deveneâ—int Et etiam de Mercatoribus et Iudaeis invicem vendemibus et ementibus seu cambientibus platas argenteas et falsas platas de stagno et alia metallo conflatas et exterius deargentatas et de omnibus aliis circumstantiis negotium illud qualitercunque contingentibus prout magis videritis expedire aâ— plenam et celerem Justitiam inde faciendam Et ideo vobis mandamus quod ad certos dies et loca quos ad hoc provideritis praemissa faciatis in forma praedicta Mandamus enim Majori Vicecoâ— nostris London quod ad certos dies et loca quos eis scire faciatis venire faciant coram vobis tam Christianos quam Judaeos per quos rei veritas in praemissis melius sciri poterit et inquiri In cujus c. T. Rege apud Cestr 15 die Septemb. This Inquisition as was usual in the case of Jews was to be made as well by Jews and Christians and so were their trials ordinarily per Medietatem linguarum as in the case of other Foreigners for the greater indifferency and prevention of Injustice through malice or emulation In 14 E. 1. I find a Commission issued out for opening and searching the Chests of the Jews and inrolling and certifying their Debts agreeable with those already cited And likewise a Writ to the Treasurer and Barons of the Kings Exchequer to discharge John de Sto. Dionisio Custos Domus Conversorum Regis London from giving any Account of his Office and Receipts before them Quia compotus hujusmodi nunquam in Scaccario hactenus à Predecessoribus suis custodibus Domus praedictae fieri consuevit T. Rege apud Westm 24 die Feb. This Iohn of St. Denys Custos Domus conversorum dying in the 16 year of Edw. 1. the King thereupon granted the Custos Office of this house to Robert de Scardeburgh Clerk Quamdiu Nobis placuerit and commanded that he should be permitted to dwell in this house and that all the Converts therein should be intendent and
habere consuevit Ita quod idem Walterus domos illas in quibus idem Archidiaconus morabatur ibidem inhabitet pro voluntate sua c. T. R. apud Kingestclipton 27 die Octobris On the 16 day of December following the King granted the custody of this house to Richard de Clunpynges by this Patent which manifests that the converted Jews were not banished with the rest Rex omnibus et singulis Conversis Domus suae London salutem Sciatis quod commissimus dilecto clerico nostro Rico. de Clunpynges custodiam Domus praedictae habendum quamdiu nobis placuerit cum omnibus ad dictam custodiam pertinentibus eodem modo quo Johis de Sancto Dionis quondam Archidiaconus Roffensis defunctus eam dum vixit habere consuevit Ita quod dom illas in quibus idem Archidiaconus morabatur ibidem pro voluntate sua inhabitet Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Rico. tanquam custodi vestro in omnibus que ad custodiam illam perâ—inent 〈◊〉 eâ— sitis et respondentes sicut praedictum est In cujus c. T. Rege apud Odyham 16 die Decembris The very next year after the Jews banishment within four moneths of their departure hence I find these Letters Patents directed by the King to all his Sheriffs Bayliffs and Lieges expresly mentioning their banishment hence and the Kings designing of all the rents and profits of their houses from the time of their banishment to be collected and disposed to pious uses as Hugh de Kendale Clerk should appoint specially intrusted with the management of this affair Rex Vicecomitibus omnibus aliis Ballivis fidelibus suis ad quos c. salutem Cum assignavimus totam pecuniam provenientem de Domibus quae fuerunt Judaeorum nostrorum in Anglia in quosdam pios usus convertendam per quod volumus quod totum commodum perveniens ex Domibus illis a tempore exilii eorundem ut ex conventione Domorum earundem rebus aliis in eosdem usus applicetur Assignavimus dilectum Clericum nostrum Hugonâ—m de Kendale ad inquirendum de conductionibus et omnibus receptis hujusmodi plenam veritatem et ad onerandum Vicecomites Ministros et omnes receptoâ—es pecuniae inde provenientis a tempore exilii praedicti et ad pecuniam illam in tuto loco reponendam per Vicecomites vel alio modo prout melius viderit expedire Et ideo vobis mandamus quod eidem Hugoni intendentes sitis credentes respondentes Teste Rege apud Asherugge 22 die Ianuarii King Edward presently after the Jews banishment hence seized upon all their Houses Lands and Revenues throughout England as escheated into his hands by this their sentence of banishment and presently within few moneths after made sale of them to English men by several Letters Patents as appears by a special Pat. Roll of the sales of their houses made in the 19 and 20 years of his reign thus endorsed Carta de Judaismo Literae Patentes de domibus Iudaeorum concessis Post eorum Exilium de Anglia wherein are near one hundred particular Patents of sales of them to several persons running in the selfsame form mutatis mutandis all mentioning their Banishment hence this Kings title to them thereby by way of Escheat take one in the 19. year for an example of all that ensue that year Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Sciatis quod concessimus pro Nobis haeredibus nostris Isabellae quae fuit uxor Ade de Sancto Albano Junior Domos illas cum pertinentiis in London quae fuerunt Leonis fil Cressey fil Magistri Eliae Judaei de parochia Sancti Martini Pomer in Ismongerslane Per Exilium ejusdem Iudaei a Regno nostro tanquam Escaeta nostra in manu nostra existentes et quae ad quatuor marcas extenduntur Habendum tenendum eidem Isabellae et haeredibus suis de Nobis et haeredibus nostris imperpetuum Reddendo inde Nobis haeredibus nostris unum denarium per manum Vicecomitis ejusdem Civitatis singulis annis ad Scaccarium nostrum Pasche et faciendo aliis Dominis feodi illius servicia inde debita et consueta In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Asherigge 27 die Decembris Anno regni Regis Edwardi filii Regis Henrici xix This Patent bears date within two Moneths next after the Jews actual departure hence upon the Decree and Edict for their banishment After which follow near one hundred Patents of their houses made this year wherein was the same recital of their banishment as in this transcribed Then follow many other Patents made of the Jews houses by the King in the 20 year of his reign intituled in the Roll and Margin Patentes de Domibus Judaeorum concessis Post eorum Exilium ab Anglia the first whereof in Memb. 2. runs thus Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Sciatis quod concessimus pro Nobis et haeredibus nostris Willielmo de Taburet de Bedeford Katerinae uxori ejus Domos illas quae fuerunt Cok filii Benedicti de Bedeford Per Exilium ejusdem Iudaeia Regno nostro tanquam Escaeta nostra in manu nostra existentes et quae ad sex 〈◊〉 extenduatur Habendum et tenendum eisdem Willielmo Kater et haeredibus suis vel cui ilâ—as secundum consuetudineÌ„ villae praedictae donare vel assignare voluerint de Nobis haeredibus nostris imperpetuum Reddendo inde Nobis haeredibus nostris unum denarium per manum Vicecom nostri Bedf. singulis annis ad Scaccarium nostrum ad festum Sancti Michaelis Et faciendo aliis dominis feodi illius servicia inde debita consueta T. Rege apud Westm 29 die Novemb. After which follow near 20 patents more of other Jews houses made that year in the same form Therefore by the unanimous irrefragable verdict of all these manifold Patents the Jews were legally and judicially Banished out of England and by this their Judgment of Banishment both by the King and Parliament all their houses and lands actually escheated into the Kings hands who thereupon seized and sold them to others in fee upon this very Title of Escheat by their Exile out of England which had Sir Edward Cooke known or observed I am confident he would never have asserted this untruth that they voluntarily banished themselves out of England only because their Usury was banished thence To these Records I might annex the case of the Prior of Bridlington which himself cites in the Placita Parliamenti post Pascha apud London 21 E. 1. rot 4. recited again in alio Rotulo Anno 22 E. 1. rot 5. wherein there is this double recital of the Jews exile hence and of a Debt of 200 l. due to the King thereby which he had Judgement to recover against the Prior. Et quia praedictus
Custodes Rotulorum praedictorum in dicta Domo Conversorum et Custodes illos ponendi in possessionem ejusdem cum suis juribus et pertinentiis quibuscunque In cujus c. T. Rege apud Shene x. die Aprilis Per Breve de privato Sigillo Since which by vertue of this Patent this house of the Converts hath continued annexed to the Custos and Mastership ol the Rolls of the Chancery yet still liable and subject to the first charitable uses for habitation and sustentation of such Jewish and other Converts to which it was at first designed For which I shall now only recite one president more already printed by John Stow out of the Records of 5 R. 2. One William Pierce a Jew that became a Christian and was baptized was by this Kings Charter in the 5th of his reign admitted and received into this ancient Domus Conversorum and had there 2 d. a day allowed him by the King during his life And by the self-same Equity if the Jews be now readmitted into England and any of them shall chance to be converted to Christianity and baptized either upon real or hypocritical or politick grounds they ought to be there received and maintained in the self-same manner as they were in former times I have now courteous Reader presented thee and the world with the exactest Chronicle and History of the English Iews from the 1. year of King Iohn Anno Dom. 1599. till their total and final banishment hence in the 18 year of Edward the 1. Anno Dom. 1290 and some years after it hitherto published in any age sincerely collected with no little diligence pains search and cost out of the most excellent Rolls Records of those times yet extant in the Tower and Exchequer all which I diligently perused with mine own eys faithfully transcribed not taking them upon trust as others commonly do and so frequently miscite or mistake them all which Records being diligently entred very year successively under these Kings reigns by publick Clerks and Notaries imployed for that end and faithfully relating every thing concerning the Jews and all other transactions publick or private as they were then really acted are the truest best most unerring guides that posterity can follow the infalliblest evidences they can surely rely on or any Historians make use of in relating the History or proceedings of former ages the ignorance of which Records hath occasioned many mistakes both in matters of fact and Law in most of our Historians Chronicles and Law Books Some whereof relating to the English Jews I have here rectified in the by From all the Records here printed in their own words and language give me leave in brief to observe for thy better information these few general heads concerning the Jews to which they are reducible 1. That though our Kings by their forementioned Charters Writs and Proclamations granted many large Priviledges Protections Immunities to the Jews especially in the beginning of their reigns as if they were their only favourites and darlings above all other of their Subjects yet these their Royal Protectors and their Justices specially appointed for their custody soon after notwithstanding all their former Charters Declarations and promised Liberty Peace Protection proved their most unsatiable merciless perfidious tyrannical Exactors Fleecers Oppressors Taxmasters Tormentors almost without any intermission in one kind or other 2 That the Jews under all these Kings reigns notwithstanding all their indulged Liberties were but their most absolute Bondslaves and exquisite Villains in all respects as these particulars will evidence First their names were all inrolled in the Kings Exchequer for the Jews and they confined to live and abide only in such places as the King and his Justices assigned for their custody should prescribe them from which they might not remove without special license 2ly They were to be there constantly resident that the Kings Officers might there finde both them and their families upon all occasions 3ly They were translated from place to place at the Kings pleasure and permitted to reside in no place but where they had a common chest 4ly Their persons wives children infants families were imprisoned distrained sent to remote Prisons Castles banished executed tormented put to fines and ransoms upon all occasions especially for their Taxes and Debts to the King 5ly They were both by poll and wholesale granted and sold to others like Bondslaves and Villains in grosse by the King and morgaged to those who would purchase them or advance any monies upon their assignment 6ly They were alwayes to wear a badge and Table on their outmost garments as well females as males whereever they rod or went to distinguish them from Christians with whom they were to have no intimate communion who were prohibited to be servants nurses to any of the Jews in any kind and were all of them to be slaves and servants to the King in one kinde or other 7ly They were all prohibited to depart the Realm when once entred without special licence which they could not obtain and imprisoned yea put to fines and ransoms when they attempted it to avoid their Taxes Such was their Vassallage in respect of their persons As for their real and personal estates they were wholly at the Kings disposal First the King could seise all their Lands Houses Rents Annuities Fees Morgages Debts Goods Chattels gold silver and sell grant release give them unto whom he pleased at his pleasure 2ly All their real and personal estates chattels debts escheated to the King upon their deaths neither could their children wives heirs executors enjoy them without making Fines reliefs and compositions with the King for them at high rates 3ly They could not sue for any debt morgage house fee duty nor assign grant sell give release them unto others without the Kings special license for which they paid such fines as he thought fit to impose 4ly The King could stay their actions debts usury respite them for what time he pleased order them to be paid at other Terms and by other summes than those expressed in their charters and obligations and finally pardon release them and deliver up their Charters to their Debtors when and where he pleased 5ly The King seised searched inrolled sealed up all their publick Chests Charters Writings Debts Goods Chattels Estates and disposed of them to his own use upon all occasions notwithstanding all Grants and Charters to them and appointed all their Judges Officers Cyrographers Cofferers Escheators Presbyters Priests and Tallagers at his pleasure yea inforced them to tax distrain imprison one another under pain of perpetual imprisonment banishment confiscation of all their estates and the severest penalties as the premised Records assure us 3ly They alwayes lived under uncessant perpetual arbitrary unsupportable Taxes and Tallages imposed on them without any act of Parliament or their common assents by our Kings and their griping Officers at what rates soever they pleased sometimes 5000. or 6000. somtimes 20000. 60000
but commonly 8000. 10000. marks or pounds by the year levyed with the greatest rigour which some of the richest Jews in all places were commonly engaged to see punctually paid in at the terms appointed and when any of them opposed or neglected to pay or levy them their persons wives children families infants were all distrained imprisoned their estates Debts seised confiscated some of them sent Prisoners into Ireland and frequently menaced with perpetual banishment hence and losse of their estates their taxes being levyed by the strictest menacing warrants and all rigorous violent ways the King and his instruments could possibly invent And are not their Taxes in case they will now return again like to be more high frequent oppressive since the very English themselves after all their late contests wars consultations and prodigal expences of their blood treasures estates are now brought under heavy uncessant monthly arbitrary Taxes Excises Imposts decimations levyed with the greatest rigour and such as dare oppose them out of conscience or defence of publike liberty though in a legal way imprisoned close imprisoned ruined yea threatned with perpetual banishment even by such who pretend themselves the Patrons Protectors of the English liberties franchises Properties from such Aegyptian and Jewish Bondage and greatest Antagonists against such arbitrary exorbitant Tyranny 4. That besides these constant annual Taxes our Kings upon all occasions enforced them by way of Loans to lend what sums they demanded under pain of imprisonment confiscation of their estates seisure of all their Debts Pawns Chests And frequently seised searched released granted sold all their gold silver chests debts houses fees annuities pawns and imprisoned their persons wives children to extort and raise monies upon all extraordinary necessities 5. That when they had fleeced them to their very skins and could expect no more moneys from them then they morgaged and sold their persons estates and the revenues proceeding from them unto others to advance present moneys before hand like so many Slaves and Villains And though many of them notwithstanding all their endlesse Taxes Extortions Squeezings fleecings grew rich again in a short time through usury broccage clipping and falsifying coyn plate frauds and extortions of all kinds and their base parsimony industry frugality yet their wives children heirs friends enjoyed little or no benefit at all by it but the King and his Officers commonly fleeced them of al they gained by one device or other So that England was little better than a second Aegypt and our Kings and their griping Officers nothing else but so many new Pharoahs and Aegyptian Tax-masters to them during all their continuance here they having no assurance of lives liberties estates under them by any Charters Grants protection Engagements which they made no conscience to revoke and violate at their pleasures as some of late have done even to their own Christian Brethren in as high a degree as they did to the Jews 6. That they were so exceeding execrable and detestable to the people in all places where they resided both for their infidelity blasphemies apostacies enmity to Christ and Christianity circumcising and crucifying Christian Children clipping of coin falsifying of Charters extortion brokage usury frauds unconscionable Jewish cut-throat dealing and discrepancy of maners from the English that many places and ports opposed their coming over other Towns as Newcastle Winchelse Wycombe Newbury Berkhamsted Suthampton other places purchased exemptions or removals of them And those Towns where they resided frequently rose up in a tumultuous maner against them burning their houses beating abusing kiling their persons pillaging their goods and forcing them to fly to the Kings Castles for Sanctuary notwithstanding all the Kings Charters Proclamations Provisions of all sorts for their protection and defence against violence and committing them to the protection of the Sheriffs Maiors Chief Officers and Burgesses of the places where they resided But especially they were above measure assaulted beaten slaughtered pillaged by the Cruce-signati and Saint-like Souldiers of that age who listed crossed themselves for the Holy-Wars and by the Barons Souldiers who took up arms against their Soveraigns under pretext only of defending the Great Charters Laws Liberties of the Church and Realm of England usually stiling themselves exercitus Dei et sanctae Ecclesiae in Anglia Neither were they free from violence plunder nor the common people satisfied till their universal final banishment hence which they oft sollicited their implacable enmity against them being such that the symptoms thereof yet continue amongst us in our proverbiall speeches I hate thee as I do a Jew I would not have done so to a Jew None but a Jew would have done so and the like 7. That notwithstanding all the Injuries Oppressions Indignities cruelties they here sustained both from our Kings their Officers the generality of the people by Gods just curse and vengeance on them for their sins yea notwithstanding all means used by our Kings Magistates Bishops preaching Friers and others both for their reformation and conversion to the Christian Faith yet the generality of them continued persevered still in their willfull obstinacy infidelity blindnesse enmity malice blasphemies despite against our crucified Saviour and Christianity which they manifested upon all occasions in publike and private by circumcising and crucifying chistian children breaking the Crucifix in Oxford and trampling it under foot in the midst of the Universities soleme Procession and otherwise expressed at large in the forementioned records as likewise in their extorsions clipping and falsifying moneys Charters usuries frauds rapes murders forgeries very few of them turning Christian converts and that either to save their lives or prevent some imminent dangers to their persons families estates and those of the poorer sort for the most part to get a present livelyhood from the Christians who frequently turned Apostates or flagiâ—ious malefactors to the scandal of religion 8. That the Jews here had their Synagogues Schools Priesâ—s Presbyter and Comptroller of their Exchequer Escheator Cofferers Cyrographers Attornies Bayliffs with their proper Judges and Court of Exchequer wherein only they were to be sued proceeded against and by whom they were Iudged their Prisons Attachers Tax-Masters Record-Keepers ordered in all things according as the King by his Writs and Letters directed All which Offices were appointed by the Kings special Patents Writs whose Names Powers Jurisdictions Salaries together with their legal trials and proceedings of all sorts civil criminal the forms of their Starrs Charters Extents of Lands assignments of Debts Releases Reliefs Fines with the names of the chiefest Jews are registred and most clearly fully related in the forecited Records and in no other printed History or Law-book whatsoever 9. That the Jews were exempt from all other Temporal and Ecclesiastical Courts and Jurisdictions but the Justices specially appointed for their custody and the Kings Exchequer for the Jews yea from all publike Taxes imposed on the English and could not be excommunicated by the