A Fair Jewish Woman of Coventry (-1223-)

In 1730, the celebrated antiquary writer, William Lambarde, published the 'Dictionarium Angliæ Topographicum & Historicum'. In it he records among 'the Most Memorable Events Which Have Distinguished the Chief Places in England and Wales' a brief record of an unnamed beautiful Jewish woman and her love - a 'Deacon of Coventry' - also unnamed.

In 1223 a Deacon of Coventry fell into the Love of a Woman Jew so fair

Whilst being an early record of the presence of the Jewish community, and of the beauty of this Jewish woman, the purpose of the record is clear, for it lead, in those very conservative times, to outrage that the Deacon went on to renounce his faith. 

Whether figuratively or literally, and by his own demise, or at the medieval hands of his objectors, William Lambarde recounts that 'he received the Reward of Blasphemy, and was tormented to Deathe'. A gruesome end to love across different cultures and communities. 

We can all play a part in this day and age, to understand each other's culture, community and practices, so as to build understanding and promote tolerance, that we may enrich our society with the insights and experiences that each community brings.

See these Links for further information:  (Note: These are external links for which we have no responsibility for the content)

• Dictionarium Angliæ Topographicum & Historicum page 69 on Google Books