Prisoners, Sanctuary‐Seekers, and Workers: Jews at the Tower of London, 1189–1290

A groundbreaking analysis reveals the Tower of London's pivotal role in medieval Jewish history, serving as a hub for prisoners, sanctuary-seekers, and workers from 1189 to 1290. The study highlights that the Constable of the Tower held unique authority over England's Jewry, including the power to arrest Jews nationwide and preside over legal cases involving them. Notably, between 1278 and 1279, at least 600 Jews were detained on charges of coin-clipping. This research, derived from a comprehensive project by Historic Royal Palaces, is the first dedicated exploration of Jewish experiences at the Tower, offering detailed biographies of every known individual from this period.

MACLELLAN, R. (2022). Prisoners, Sanctuary‐Seekers, and Workers: Jews at the Tower of London, 1189–1290. History, 107(378), 815–835. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-229x.13325