Social condition of England by 1199 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Why did Richard sell town charters in 1189 and 1194?
To raise money for the Third Crusade (1189) and for his ransom (1194) after captivity. Selling charters allowed towns greater self-governance and stimulated economic growth.
The sale of charters was a strategic move to enhance local governance and promote economic activity.
Which towns received charters from Richard in 1189 and 1194?
1189: Hereford, Bath, Colchester, Northampton
1194: Norwich, Doncaster, Portsmouth
These towns were granted charters to encourage their development and self-governance.
How did town charters affect local economies?
Charters allowed wealthy merchants and burgesses to administer their towns, encourage local trade, and reduce baronial interference, boosting prosperity.
This shift promoted economic autonomy and growth in urban areas.
What important economic reform did Hubert Walter implement in 1196?
He standardised weights and measurements, increasing confidence in trade, promoting fair pricing, and boosting commerce across England.
This reform was crucial for improving trade practices and market fairness.
What negative effect did Richard’s embargo on Flemish trade have?
It hurt English merchants reliant on Flemish markets. For example, Simon Kime was fined 1,000 marks for illegally selling wool to Flemish merchants.
The embargo was intended to apply pressure but ultimately backfired on English traders.
What was the purpose of Richard’s trade embargo on Flanders?
It was part of an economic pressure campaign (especially around 1196–1197) to weaken Philip II’s allies and assert English dominance.
This tactic was aimed at undermining political rivals through economic means.
What was “tallage” and how did it affect Jews in England under Richard?
A special tax imposed on Jews, especially wealthy moneylenders. Though burdensome, it remained profitable due to Jewish financial centrality.
Tallage exemplified the financial exploitation of Jewish communities during this period.
Why were Jews becoming increasingly important to the English economy?
Christian institutions (e.g. monasteries, nobles) increasingly turned to Jewish moneylenders for loans as Jews were not subject to Christian usury laws.
This created a reliance on Jewish financial services, despite social tensions.
What did the Third Lateran Council (1179) decree regarding Jews?
Christians were to limit contact with Jews and Muslims, were forbidden to marry them, and Jews/Muslims were to wear identifying symbols.
This decree aimed to segregate and control Jewish communities within Christian societies.
Why did the fall of Jerusalem in 1187 worsen antisemitism?
It reignited religious hostility. Jews were grouped with Muslims as non-Christians and seen as enemies of the faith, intensifying prejudice and violence.
This event significantly impacted Christian perceptions of Jews during the Crusades.
What socio-economic factors made Jews targets of hatred in England?
Their visible wealth, restrictions on landholding, and financial dealings with nobles made them easy scapegoats in times of tension.
Economic envy and social limitations contributed to rising antisemitism.
What kinds of false accusations were spread about Jews in the 12th century?
Baseless claims of ritual murder, such as sacrificing Christian children and using “dark arts”, contributed to fear and violence.
These accusations reflected deep-seated prejudices and led to violence against Jewish communities.
What happened to Jews during Richard’s coronation in 1189?
There were mass anti-Jewish attacks. Richard was furious and issued letters declaring Jews were under royal protection.
Despite royal protection, the violence against Jews highlighted the volatility of their status.
What widespread anti-Jewish violence occurred in 1190?
Riots broke out in Norwich, Stamford, Lincoln, and Colchester. In Bury St Edmunds, 57 Jews were murdered on Easter Sunday.
These riots were part of a broader pattern of antisemitic violence in England.
What was the York Massacre (March 1190)?
Jews fled to Clifford’s Tower, were besieged by a mob of knights, nobles, citizens, and the Castellan Richard Malaise. Many committed mass suicide; others were killed even after converting.
The York Massacre was one of the most tragic events in Jewish history in England.
What motivated many of the attackers at York in 1190?
Debt — many attackers owed large sums to Jewish moneylenders. Destroying the lenders and their records eliminated these obligations.
The financial motivations behind the violence illustrate the intersection of economics and social conflict.
How did the York Massacre impact the Jewish community?
It was a devastating loss — not only of lives but also of property and legal protections. It intensified fear, marginalisation, and insecurity.
The massacre had long-term repercussions for the Jewish community in England.
