Licoricia of Winchester

Licoricia of Winchester. . Licoricia was a medieval businesswoman, working mother, and leader in her community. Like many Jewish women of her time, she was highly educated. This enabled her to succeed in a man's world despite prejudice. She paid a major levy towards the building of Westminster Abbey and financed many other projects. The Jewish community suffered severe religious persecution and the prejudices formed at that time still linger today. The message of "Love thy neighbour as thyself" at the base of the statue, shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims, is as important to follow now as it was in her time., What Can You See? , It is 1250. Licoricia, a widowed single mother, is seen striding towards her home across the road. She is wearing the clothes of a prosperous woman with a linen headdress., In the 13th century, Jews and Muslims were forced to wear identifying badges, but she is not wearing one as the Winchester community paid the Church to avoid this stigma., In one hand, she is holding a tax demand for her community from Henry III. Licoricia knew Henry III well and often met him in Winchester's Great Hall. , In her other hand she is holding her youngest son Asher, aged about five. Asher holds a spinning top called a dreidel, an ancient game still played at the Jewish festival of Chanukah., The Jewish Community in Medieval Winchester , Jews were invited to England by William the Conqueror to improve trade. There were many jobs that were not open to Jews by law. Permitted jobs included being a doctor, lawyer, craftsman, tradesman, wine merchant, and midwife. A small proportion of the community specialised in moneylending., Moneylending was frowned upon by the Church although Christians were also involved. Only Jews had interest rates regulated by law. Kings had a special relationship with the Jewish community. They had the right to tax them at will so they were an important source of personal income, and as such, they gave them their protection., As the 13th century progressed, Henry III needed increasing cash to pay for wars and crusades. Jews were faced with soaring tax bills which, in turn, put pressure on those owing them money. The association of Jews with an unpopular trade, together with this growing pressure, led to the unfair prejudice of Jews and money which still persists today., Eventually, the Jews were taxed into poverty and were no longer of use as a source of income. In 1290, Edward I gave the Jews a choice: convert to Christianity or leave the country. Licoricia's son Asher was probably one of those forced to leave. This was the first expulsion of Jews in Europe. Jews were not allowed to return for over 300 years., The hidden story of England's medieval Jews is an early example of mistreatment of a minority in this country and teaches us many lessons for today.