Who Was Aaron of Lincoln? Jewish Biography as History by Dr. Henry Abramson

Reputed to be the wealthiest man in 11th century England--wealthier even than the King--Aaron of Lincoln was a hugely successful moneylender whose achievements included the financing of many cathedrals. His story, while exceptional in terms of scope, is nevertheless instructive of the Jewish experience in the medieval economy as a whole. Part of the Jewish Biography as History series by Dr. Henry Abramson (more lectures available at henryabramson.com).

[@userasofnow7371]

i just heard about Aaron of Lincoln a couple of days ago... I had no idea that the money for so many major cathedral projects in this country had a Jewish source. I knew about the massacre of the Jews in York (it was my university town) but had never made the connection that behind this tragedy there lurked a contributory financial motive, which has remained, largely unknown. This really sheds a different light on the event. Thank you for your lecture; entertaining delivery and informative content.

[@Rmcaw]

Thank you for this interesting lecture Dr Abramson. I was born and grew up in Lincoln and recently moved back to the city. The ‘Jews House’ as it’s called in the old city is a 12th century building and has a very good restaurant, a book shop, Jewish culture centre and a small synagogue for the small Jewish community in Lincoln. The ‘Norman house’ you refer to is just up the hill close by. To give you some context I am a history graduate and still a keen fan of history so I am aware of Aaron of Lincoln, but he is not a character that many outside of local history experts will know. In general in British schools, the extent of Jewish history taught extends to only the Holocaust. However the only exception is we are taught about Edward I heavy taxation and forced money lending on the Jews to fund his conquests of Wales and Scotland and then his subsequent expulsion of the Jews once they had no more money to give.

[@ericjimenez469]

That was very informative. Great session. Thanks Mr. Abramson

[@HenryAbramsonPhD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@freddigglegmail]

wonderful lecture series

[@oolongoolong789]

A very enjoyable lecture. Many thanks.

[@keithpucarelli6991]

Great lecture

[@veaudor]

btw, if I remember correctly, there is a prayer for the York Jews in the Sephardic services.

[@anvilbrunner.2013]

Very enjoyable. Lincoln is around fifty miles from here. I always enjoy visiting the place. Now ive an excuse to go & see it otherthan for its charm. Nobody hears about Aaron when they take the tour of His savvy gifts to the clerics. The Lion was so fierce, that they waited. Another deceased Hero to the collection then. Thank You so much. As for the jokes Ha! Subtle as a brick. Its not so much the joke as Your endearing m.o. Reespect blud.

[@chrisbea49]

Edward I expelling the Jews was not as much a kindness but a necessity of his own making. He used the Jews as his personal piggybank and had tallaged the community much more heavily than usual to pay for his wars in Wales and Scotland. With their capital hugely depleted the lenders had no choice but to call in loans. Another big issue was Jews becoming associated with royal tax collecters even tho there was no connection. Great video.

[@redguy4586]

I love Jews!!

[@redguy4586]

Me too, my mother was married to a Jewish man, I had Jewish step brothers. Being of mostly Irish decent as I got older, I realized the cultural affinity for comedy the cultures have. Love you're talks, you are an excellent teacher Mr. Abramson, take care.

[@283vic]

The little hat is cute.

[@veaudor]

Remind me, not to eat/swallow anything until AFTER the joke punchline. Great lecture, very informative.

[@terrayjos]

I can tell you don't have a lot of experience with farmers. A dairy still needs to feed their cows and it is done by growing your own hay and grain. There is no way to make a profit if you are buying all your hay. Dairy farmers are some of the most hard working farmers there are. Cow have to be milked every day...no breaks no holidays.

[@sarahhussain7090]

wow hoo British Jewish history

[@briankelly5828]

Good, succinct account of the role and socio-economic status of Jews in medieval Europe. The opening joke will be stolen and adapted to circumstances .....

[@sarahhussain7090]

your wife sounds a hoot