Aaron of York facts for kids
Aaron of York was a very important Jewish financier and a chief leader for the Jewish people in England. He was born in the city of York before the year 1190 and passed away sometime after 1253. His father was likely Josce of York, a well-known figure in York during that time.
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A Leader for the Jewish Community
Aaron of York became very wealthy, possibly inheriting money and business connections from his father. Because of his wealth and influence, he was chosen as the Presbyter Judaeorum in 1237. This title meant he was the senior representative, or a main leader, for the Jews of England. He took over this important role from Josce of London. Being chosen for this position showed just how rich and powerful Aaron was, as only the wealthiest Jewish people were given this responsibility. However, he only held the office for a short time, less than a year, before Elias of London took over in 1237.
Helping the King with Money
Aaron of York was often involved in important financial dealings with the King of England.
Assessing Taxes
In 1219, King Henry III chose Aaron to be a "talliator." This meant Aaron helped assess, or figure out, how much tax (called tallage) people should pay to the King. He was one of the twelve wealthiest Jewish people in the entire kingdom at that time.
Royal Contributions
Aaron also made significant payments to the King for various reasons:
- In 1221, when the King's sister, Joan of England, Queen of Scotland, got married to Alexander II of Scotland, Aaron contributed £14 15s towards her dowry (money or property given by the bride's family to the groom).
- In 1223, he paid £43 towards a total tax of £3000. This was the second-highest payment made by anyone, showing his great wealth.
Financial Challenges
Life for wealthy Jewish financiers like Aaron could be difficult.
- In 1235, King Henry III made an agreement with Aaron that he would only tax him 100 marks, which was later reduced to 60 marks. However, the King did not keep this promise.
- In 1236, Aaron agreed to pay King Henry III 100 marks every year to be free from all other taxes.
- Despite these agreements, Aaron faced many financial demands from the King. For example, in 1250, he was fined a huge amount of money: 14,000 marks of silver and ten marks of gold. He even told a historian named Matthew Paris that he had paid the King a total of 30,000 marks in silver and 200 marks in gold over time.
Later Difficulties
When King Henry III went to war in 1243, Aaron of York faced more trouble. He was accused of wrongdoing against the King, though the exact details are not known. He was sent to prison but was released after paying a fine of £100. The next year, he was accused of forging a document and had to appear before the King. Under the threat of being sent to prison again, he paid an enormous sum of 30,000 marks in silver to the King and 200 gold marks as a gift to the Queen. At this time, the King desperately needed money because his war in France was not going well. These huge payments left Aaron of York in financial ruin. The King then realized Aaron could no longer provide him with money and removed him from his important position.
