Medieval Jewish London History Day

This one-day history festival brings London’s medieval Jewish community back to life, just steps away from the City’s original Jewish quarter.

The Jewish Square Mile Foundation invites audiences of all ages to explore one of the capital’s lesser-known communities: the Jewish population that settled in the City towards the end of the 11th century and lived there for more than 200 years, until the Expulsion of 1290.

A programme of expert talks, a walking tour and family activities will bring this period vividly to life while challenging some of the myths that surround it. Speakers include leading scholars Dr Dean Irwin and Dr Rory McLellan, whose research offers fresh insight into the everyday lives and experiences of medieval Jewish London.

Sun 10 May, 9.45am-16.45pm

9.45–9.55am Welcome: Immigrants, Neighbours, Londoners

9.55–10.55am Session 1: Myths and Misunderstandings: Were All Medieval Jews Moneylenders? Dean Irwin

11-11.15am Coffee Break

11.15am–12.15pm Session 2: Memory Beneath Our Feet: The Cemetery Under the Barbican: Presence After Expulsion. Natasha Jenman

12.15–13.15pm Lunch

13:15–14:15 Session 3: Women, Work and Family Life. Emma Cavell

14.15–15.15pm Session 4: Power, Prejudice and the State: Who Persecuted the Jews and Why? Rory MacLellan

15.15–15.30pm Break

15.30–16.30pm 1290: What Was Lost Paul Dryburgh

16.30–16.45pm Closing: Why Immigrant Histories Matter

In person tickets are sold out, however the day's programme will be live-streamed.

You can book tickets to join the livestream here.