The Jew’s House is one of the oldest surviving domestic dwellings in the country.
Built around 1150, the house was almost certainly occupied by a merchant who would have lived upstairs and traded downstairs. One name linked with ownership is Belaset of Wallingford, a woman executed in 1287, possibly on a trumped up charge, for clipping coin – paring the edges of coins to acquire illicit gold or silver.*
The Jews’ Court next door was built much later and probably takes its name from a synagogue that is thought to have been situated near by. The Jew’s Court is currently headquarters of the county’s historical society.
During the 11th and 12th centuries Lincoln was very prosperous, largely through its wool trade. The Jewish community played a big part in the city’s development, especially as money-lenders – an occupation forbidden to Christians. Jews even helped fund the building of the cathedral. However their wealth and the fervour of the Crusades inspired resentment. Persecution in 1266 was followed by expulsion in 1290. Many saw this as an opportunity to rid themselves of their debts.*
*From the Pitkin City Guide to Lincoln
this is an amazing building built in the 12th century Cherie… i love the way that you framed it….peter:)
Thanks Peter, I had to wait until the crowds had dispersed so they didn’t detract from the buildings.
Lincoln is rather hilly!
It’s all right for me cos I live on a hill.
Already got used to climbing up and down every day. Ha!
The hill at Lincoln is very sharp and steep
Love the brick road. I thought it was pretty impressive that my family at one time build the first house in Norton Massachusetts in 1600’s.
Coffee is on
It is impressive that my family at one time built the first house in Norton Massachusetts
Excellent stuff. Lincoln Council would not have preserved both buildings, unless the history of the community was important or the architectural design was very special. To have survived from c1150 is remarkable! Do we know what the buildings’ interiors look like?
The interior of the Jew’s House is not authentic, it is currently a restaurant. If we had known this when we were visiting we would have dined there one evening.
The restaurant website provides more fascinating history of the building:
https://www.jewshouserestaurant.co.uk/about-us/jews-house-building-history
I had no idea that such an old house existed in this country
The thought is quite fascinating
the history behind this shot is especially interesting, particularly the money lending part.
It is interesting history
Wonderful building and I love the architecture. Great picture showing how the street ‘goes down’….
This is one very steep street!