Language:
English
Year of publication:
2005
Titel der Quelle:
Folklore; Electronic Journal of Folklore
Angaben zur Quelle:
116,2 (2005) 119-139
Keywords:
Thomas,
;
William,
;
Christianity and antisemitism History To 1500
;
Antisemitism History 12th century
;
Blood accusation
;
Jews History Expulsion, 1290
;
Christian legends
Abstract:
Examines the legend of William of Norwich, who was allegedly killed by local Jews for ritual purposes in 1144, as recorded in "The Life and Miracles of St William of Norwich" by Thomas of Monmouth (most probably in 1149-55). Thomas' description of the murder, and the legend it generated, reveal essential differences with the contemporary chronicle. Having reconstructed the situation of 1144 in Norwich, a city torn by internal conflicts, including between secular and ecclesiastical authorities, surmises that the story of William's crucifixion by Jews was concocted by Thomas. Contends that the local clergy wanted William to be declared as a victim of Jewish ritual murder at Easter time; a crucified child martyr was beneficial for the cathedral, and Thomas himself would gain prestige as the saint's sacristan. In Bennett's follow-up note [in "Folklore" 116,3 (2005)] she dismisses the view that the ritual murder accusation in 1144 was the reason for the later persecution of the Jews in England and their expulsion in 1290.
Description / Table of Contents:
Bennett, Gillian. William of Norwich and the expulsion of the Jews. Ibid. 116,3 (2005) 311-314.
DOI:
10.1080/00155870500140156
DOI:
10.1080/00155870500282768
URL:
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