The Hidden History of Norwich's Medieval Jewish Community: A Journey of Discovery
Entrance to the Jewish Cemetery which is run by Norwich City Council
As we embarked on our journey to uncover the history of Jewish life in medieval times, Norwich emerged as a city with an incredibly rich yet largely untapped Jewish history. We began our expedition early, at 6 AM, accompanied by Rabbi Israel Gabbai, a French-born guardian of Jewish heritage who currently resides in Ukraine. Rabbi Gabbai is renowned for his work in preserving tens of thousands of Jewish burial sites, including those of prominent figures such as the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism. Together, we set off on a quest to learn more about the Jewish community that thrived in Norwich during the Middle Ages.
The Search Begins
Our initial goal was to locate the medieval Jewish cemetery, a place where the Jewish community buried their dead during the 12th century, a time marked by tragic persecution and blood libels. These horrendous events often targeted Jews, leading to expulsions and massacres across medieval Europe. Norwich itself was the site of one of the first recorded blood libels in 1144, in which Jews were falsely accused of ritually murdering a Christian boy. This tragic period left deep scars, but also historical remnants.
By 8 AM, we had located the Jewish cemetery currently maintained by the Norwich City Council. After some time spent exploring and examining the gravestones, we quickly realized that this was not the medieval cemetery we were searching for. The oldest graves in this cemetery dated back only around 200 years, far from the 1,000-year history we sought.
A Sudden Twist: The Well Discovery
The final resting place of those who perished at the well. At the Jewish Cemetery.
As we continued our search, a helpful passerby noticed our frustration and offered assistance. It turned out we were in luck. This individual, Robert Dowe, an Environmental Services Officer for Norwich City Council, had contacts who specialized in the city’s history. In a fortunate twist, Dowe sent us an email within 30 minutes, filled with valuable information about Norwich’s Jewish past.
He recounted the famous discovery of a well in 2004 during the construction of the Chapelfield shopping center. In the well, archaeologists had unearthed the remains of 17 individuals, including 11 children. Historical evidence and DNA testing confirmed that these remains were of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, linking them to the Jewish community of medieval Norwich. These bones were reburied in 2013 in a Jewish ceremony in Earlham Cemetery, marking a significant moment for Norwich’s Jewish community.
Excavation at the new shopping centre where the well was discovered
The burial, held in 2013, was attended by people from various faiths, including Jewish and Christian leaders. This event was seen as an emotional and symbolic moment, representing a fitting conclusion to the tragic deaths of these Jews, likely victims of persecution during the 12th century. The remains were first placed at the center of the Jewish section of the cemetery but were later moved to the back-right corner, marking their final resting place.
Finding the Well and Plaque
Our journey led us to the back of the church where the well was discovered, now part of a modern shopping center. While the well itself is no longer visible, a plaque has been installed on a nearby wall to commemorate the discovery. The plaque reads:
_"In memory of the six adults and eleven children whose bodies were discovered in the well shaft in 2004 during the construction of the intu Chapelfield shopping centre. The plaque commemorates their burial by the Jewish and Christian ministers together on March 19th, 2013."_
This commemoration was unveiled on February 16th, 2015, in a joint effort by Norwich’s Jewish and Christian communities, symbolizing a moment of reconciliation and remembrance.
Continuing the Search for Medieval Roots
While the reburial of these Jewish remains was a significant event, our quest to find the original medieval cemetery of Norwich’s Jewish community remained unresolved. We turned to historical articles and connected with experts such as the Jewish historian Goldermier. According to local records, the area surrounding Debenhams Store Building, and others mention at The Lamb Inn on Lamb Yard, Orford Place is believed to have been the site of the ancient Jewish burial grounds from medieval times.
Address: Lamb Yard, Orford Pl, Norwich NR1 3RU
Many local historians and experts point to The Lamb Inn and Debenhams , which is located at Lamb Yard, Orford Place, as the most likely location for the original medieval Jewish cemetery. This site, currently home to modern buildings, is believed to cover the burial ground where members of the Jewish community in the 12th century were laid to rest. The area surrounding The Lamb Inn holds historical significance as it lies near what would have been the heart of medieval Norwich's Jewish quarter. including the synagogue, Yeshiva and Cemetery
Norfolk County Council's historic environment department has suggested that this area holds untapped archaeological importance. Any potential developments near The Lamb Inn/ Debenhams could warrant an archaeological investigation, given its proximity to the well and the site of medieval Jewish life in Norwich.
The Legacy of Norwich’s Jewish Community
Norwich’s Jewish community dates back to at least 1135 and endured various hardships, including the infamous 1190 massacre, where many Jews were murdered during anti-Jewish riots inspired by the Crusades. Despite these dark periods, the Jewish presence in Norwich remains a significant part of the city’s rich tapestry.
The discovery of the well and the reburial of the Jewish remains in 2013 serve as poignant reminders of the trials faced by Norwich’s Jews. These events, which took place over 800 years ago, continue to resonate today. The DNA tests conducted on the remains have provided an extraordinary link to modern Ashkenazi Jews, making them the oldest Jewish genomes ever sequenced.
Our investigation of Norwich’s medieval Jewish history, though far from over, highlights the enduring legacy of this community and its importance to the city’s cultural and historical identity. Future archaeological studies may yet reveal more hidden chapters of Norwich's Jewish past, and we remain committed to uncovering them.
Moving Forward
We have since set up meetings with community leaders, including the Vicar, Reverend Canon Madeline Light of St. Stephen’s, Over 900 Years old Church in Norwich, to explore further opportunities for collaboration between the city’s religious communities. The journey to uncover Norwich’s Jewish history is ongoing, but with each new discovery, we come closer to understanding the full scope of this forgotten legacy.
We Spoke with Rabbi, Rev Daniel Rosenthal who is working with us to build on more projects in the future.
For further reading and updates on the continuing archaeological investigations in Norwich, check the following articles:
- [Eastern Daily Press](https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23024973.dna-evidence-reveals-secrets-bodies-found-shopping-centre-digs/)
- [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-65745075)
This journey has been an enlightening and emotional experience, but it is far from complete. Norwich's Jewish history continues to emerge from the shadows, offering lessons not just in archaeology but in remembrance and reconciliation.
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