Benedict of York facts for kids
Benedict of York (who died in 1189) was an important person in the Jewish community in York, England, during the 12th century. He was a moneylender, which means he lent money to people. Benedict was considered the second most important moneylender in York, after another person named Josce of York. He became very rich and owned a lot of land because of his work. Even ten years after he died, people were still paying back the money they owed to him.
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A Royal Event and a Difficult Time
Benedict of York went to the crowning ceremony of King Richard I. He went with Josce of York. During this time, there were attacks on Jewish people in London, right after King Richard's coronation. Benedict was forced to be baptized as a Christian and was given the name "William."
Benedict's Injury and Faith
Benedict was badly hurt during these attacks. A monk from York, named Prior William of St. Mary's Abbey, baptized him. However, the very next day, when King Richard called for him, Benedict changed his mind. He said he wanted to be Jewish again. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Baldwin of Forde, was very upset by this. He said that if Benedict did not want to be a Christian, then he was "the devil's man."
Asking the King for Help
Benedict later asked King Richard if he could go back to practicing his Jewish faith. This was against the church's rules at the time.
Benedict's Final Days
Benedict died in a town called Northampton soon after he was forced to be baptized. A writer named Roger of Hoveden, who wrote down history, said that Benedict was not buried in either a Jewish or a Christian cemetery in Northampton. This was because he had changed his mind about being Christian.
Benedict's Home and Family
Benedict's house on Spen Lane was described by another writer, William of Newbury, as being like "a royal palace" because it was so big and strong. Sadly, Benedict's children and his wife died in a fire at his house during a terrible attack in York in 1190.
