Through History

The lives of the lost Jews of England

Sephardim, also known as Sephardi Jews, have a long and deep history. A group of Jews with a specifically Spanish or Portuguese heritage, they settled initially in England before being expelled in 1290. However, in the 17th and 18th centuries they returned and created a rich history and culture, much of which is not taught or studied. Figures such as Daniel Mendoza, a Sephardi Jew who pioneered a more modern form of boxing, remains almost forgotten. However, now a new online project explores how three different waves of Jewish displacement influenced English life over successive centuries, from the period of Oliver Cromwell to 20th century immigrants arriving from the Balkans and the Arabian Peninsula.

One Lost Stone is a multimedia project bringing together elements of art, film, poetry, performance, stories, music and research to explore the culture of Sephardi Jews. The results are being showcased for free online and are available to use in classrooms or at home. Already the project has revealed a number of fascinating and little-known facts. For example, the ban on Jews introduced in 1290 has never formally been lifted; England was the first country to make Jews wear a yellow star as recognition; and the first female poet in English literature, Amelia Bassano Lanier, was a Jew. Here, we feature some of the visual highlights from this project and explore a few examples of the fascinating stories found within.

DANIEL MENDOZA

Daniel Mendoza (1764-1836) was the 16th champion of the London Prize Ring and reigned from 1791-1795. Considered the father of ‘scientific boxing’, he developed the style that focused on skill rather than pure strength. Mendoza continued fighting until the ripe old age of 57.

MENASSEH BEN ISRAEL

Following their 1290 expulsion, there was no open Jewish community in England until 1656. Menasseh ben Israel petitioned Oliver Cromwell to end the Jews’ exile. This portrait of Rabbi Menasseh is by Rembrandt.

FRANCISCO LOPES SUASSO

An extremely wealthy Dutch Sephardi merchant, Francisco Lopes Suasso played an integral role in the funding of William of Orange’s taking of the English throne. Crucially, Suasso financed much of the Dutch invasion armada. He is depicted here in typically lavish dress.

THE COHEN HANDS

Cohen (sometimes referred to as kohen and pluralised as kohanim) are said to be direct male descendants of Aaron, and are Jewish priests. This symbol on a grave identifies the individual to have been a cohen.

EXPULSION OF THE JEWS

A medieval manuscript showing the expulsion of the Jews from England in 1290, as a result of local representatives demanding measures be taken to curb Jewish lending. Shown here is the symbol of two tablets, which Jews were required to wear in order to identify them.

EAST END

As well as a champion boxer, Daniel Mendoza was also an influential East End Jewish citizen who became incredibly popular and something of a celebrity. During Mendoza’s time, physical attacks on Jews were frequent and many attended his boxing academy to learn self-defence. As a result, the attacks decreased.

OLIVER CROMWELL

This collage, created by One Lost Stone director Thomas Kampe, shows Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, who allowed Jews in England to ‘meet privately in their houses for prayer’ and to lease land for a cemetery. As a result Velho Cemetery was created in 1657, and in 1726 a further lease would be granted for Nuevo Cemetery.

SEPHARDI COUPLE FROM SARAJEVO

This photograph from 1900 shows a Sephardi couple from Sarajevo in traditional costume. The city had a thriving Jewish community, with some 8,500 living there by the 1930s. The majority of them were murdered during the Holocaust.