Benedict of York
Benedict of York | |
|---|---|
| Born | York, England |
| Died | 1189 Northampton, England |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, banker |
| Known for | Leading Jewish financier in 12th-century York; presence at King Richard I's coronation; forced baptism and subsequent renunciation of Christianity |
Benedict of York (d. 1189) was a leading Jewish financier in 12th-century York, England, considered second in prominence only to Josce of York. His extensive lending operations enabled him to amass considerable property, with outstanding debts to him still recognized ten years after his passing.
Alongside Josce of York, Benedict was present at King Richard I's coronation. During violent assaults on London's Jewish population, he was forcibly baptized under the name "William." Gravely injured, he received baptism from Prior William of St Mary's Abbey, York. Nevertheless, the following day before King Richard, Benedict renounced his Christian conversion. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Baldwin of Forde, is said to have commented, "...if he refuses Christianity, let him be the devil's man." Despite ecclesiastical restrictions, Benedict petitioned King Richard for permission to return to Judaism.
He passed away shortly afterward in Northampton. Chronicler Roger of Hoveden recorded that due to his retraction, Benedict was interred outside both Jewish and Christian burial grounds. His home on Spen Lane was noted by William of Newbury for its grand scale and fortification, likened to "a royal palace." Tragically, during the Easter 1190 York riot, Benedict’s widow and children were killed within their residence.