The Edict of Expulsion

In 1290, King Edward I of England issued a royal decree that changed the course of English history and left a scar that lingered for centuries. Known as the Edict of Expulsion, this command forced the entire Jewish population—about 3,000 people—to leave the country. On this episode of *Dave Does History*, we’re digging into the political, economic, and religious pressures that led to one of medieval England’s most infamous acts. From the early days when Jews were welcomed by William the Conqueror, to the dangerous myths, financial exploitation, and rising antisemitism of the thirteenth century, we’ll unpack how a small, essential community became a convenient scapegoat. We’ll also explore the legacy of the expulsion, the long silence that followed, and the modern-day effort by the Church of England to reckon with its role in centuries of prejudice. This is the story of power, money, fear, and the price of being different.