Isaac of Norwich facts for kids

Isaac of Norwich, also known as Isaac ben Eliav, was an important Jewish financier in England during the 1100s and 1200s. He lived in the city of Norwich. Isaac was one of the most significant Jewish moneylenders there in the early years of King Henry III's rule. Many records from that time, kept at Westminster Abbey, show his business dealings.

Isaac's Life and Business

Isaac was a very successful financier. This means he managed large amounts of money and lent it out. In 1210, he was among the Jewish people who were imprisoned by King John of England. It is thought that a house he owned in London was taken by the king around this time. Later, in 1214, this house was given to the Earl of Derby.

Old documents sometimes called Isaac "Nadib" or "Mæcenas". These words suggest he might have been a generous person or a patron, someone who supported others. Isaac is believed to have passed away before the year 1247.

The Famous Caricature

A very old drawing of Isaac of Norwich exists from 1233. It is found in a document from the Exchequer, which was like the government's finance department. This drawing is a caricature, which is a picture that exaggerates someone's features for a funny or critical effect.

This caricature shows Isaac wearing a crown. He is depicted with three faces, which might suggest how widespread his business activities were. The drawing also shows two other Jewish people, Mosse Mok and a woman named Abigail, being shown in a negative light, possibly under Isaac's watch. This image is considered the world's oldest known antisemitic caricature. It shows the unfair and negative views some Christians had about Jewish people and moneylenders at that time.

Some people think the scene in the drawing looks like a Miracle-play, which were plays often performed in churches. However, it is more likely that the scene represents the Tower of London. This was a place where Jewish people were sometimes held prisoner and put on trial.

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