Benedict Of York

Leading member of the Jewish community in York, England, at the end of the twelfth century; died in 1189. Together with Josce of York he attended the coronation of Richard I., and in the riot which took place on that occasion was forced to submit to baptism, when he took the name of "William." Afterward he appealed to the king, who permitted him to return to his religion, though this was against the canon laws.His death occurred soon after this at Northampton (Roger de Hoveden, "Chronica," ed. Stubbs, iii. 14), where he was the owner of houses. William of Newbury describes Benedict's house at York as being like unto a royal palace in size and strength ("Historia," ed. Howlett, i. 312). His widow and children were burned alive in it during the York riot of Easter, 1190.

Bibliography:

  * Jacobs, Jews of Angevin England, pp. 104, 119.



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