Norwich mayor apologies to community for 12th century Jewish blood libel

Dr Kevin Maguire said of the events that led to the deaths of 17 people in 1144; 'Medieval Norwich blamed the Jews and we see the horrendous events that followed'

By JN Reporter 20 April 2023, 8:44 am
Undated handout photo issued by Liverpool John Moores University of a reconstructed face of a male adult (left) and a child (right) based on skeletal remains. DNA from human remains found in a medieval well suggests they belonged to Ashkenazi Jews who fell victim to antisemitic violence during the 12th century. In 2004 archaeological excavations in central Norwich uncovered a medieval well containing the remains of at least 17 people, mostly children.

The Lord mayor of Norwich has apologised to the city’s Jewish community for the religious persecution in the 12th century after false claims about the murder of a boy.

Dr Kevin Maguire referenced the impact the blood libel allegations had on the community after Jews were falsely accused of murdering the 12-year-old, called William, in 1144.

It was England’s first recorded instance of a ‘blood libel’, in which Jews were wrongly accused of murdering Christian boys to use their blood in religious rituals.

He said:” William’s murder is a story for today.

“We apportion blame for any harms and seek to punish those who are not like us; those who do and say things differently to the way that we say or do things.

“Medieval Norwich blamed the Jews and we see the horrendous events that followed.

“Today we see other ‘not like me’ groups turned upon and blamed for shortcomings in society.

“For me, the answer is to say ‘no more’ and to work for Norwich to be free of antisemitism – and to counter the lies told blatantly by those who would wish to foment hate.”

Dr Maguire’s apology came after he was invited to attend a Seder meal during Pesach.

In 2004 the remains of 17 people, including 11 children, were discovered during archaeological digs which were believed to be Jews slaughtered as a result of the blood libel claims.

It had been a medieval monk called Thomas of Monmouth who claimed with no evidence that Jews had slaughtered the 12 year-old boy in a ritualistic killing.

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