Licoricia of Winchester: Power and Prejudice in Medieval England: The Rise and Fall of a Remarkable Jewish Businesswoman

by Rebecca Abrams

“Totally fascinating, tragic and unforgettable, this is an untold story of female power, royal intrigues, high finance, civil war and antisemitism.  Abrams' book superbly tells the astonishing rise of the richest woman in Plantagenet England, Licoricia of Winchester, whose unique independent career ended in her murder but is in so many ways relevant today.”  – SImon Sebag Montefiore

“Rebecca Abrams’ book is a beautifully written and compelling account of the life of the most important Jewish woman in thirteenth-century England.  The book achieves the difficult feat of being easily accessible to general readers yet informative even to specialists. In the current moment, when the tragic history of the Jews in medieval England is attracting unprecedented popular attention, this book should find a wide and receptive audience.” – Robert Stacey, Professor of History, University of Washington

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Judaism, British Literature

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2022

Reviews

[Dasmatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but interesting read.
This book can easily be finished in an evening and has some interesting insights on the life of medieval Jews.

Just one word of warning: most of the book is not really about Licoricia of Winchester. Instead most of it is about the society that surrounded her. The life of the Winchester family is primarily an example for the struggles of wealthy Jews in this particular period.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this powerful biography Abrams looks at the life and death of a Jewish businesswoman in medieval England as well as Jewish society in the country. Whilst a relatively short book at only 97 pages, the author packs a lot of information in. It's clear and concise and makes for an informative and interesting read.

[eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and accessible, perfect for people who want to know more about Licoricia, but may not have the time or patience to muddle through a wordy 500 page history of medieval Winchester.

[Karen Levi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book at the Jewish Museum in London. Learning about a woman from Medieval England seemed worthwhile. I am glad I read the short book. I remember the Plantagenets from history class, but I had no idea that Jews were involved.
Rare in medieval times, Licoricia used her talents to be a powerful moneylender and financier. Married twice, she gave birth to five children, and periodically imprisoned based on the royalty's favor. She and her maid were brutally murdered as tensions rose in medieval Winchester culminating in the expulsion of the Jews in 1290.
Jews emigrated to England with the Romans and then again during the Norman Invasion. Jews were subjected to discrimination, prejudice, and extermination in England, accused of being different and alien. Licoricia and her sons withstood the dangers for many decades, providing valuable financial services to royalty and the business community of southern England.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragic and moving history of a vibrant Jewish community wiped out by expulsion and murder. Jews in Medieval England were under the "protection" of the king, but it was more of a protection racket--the king would levy fees and "gifts" against the Jewish population in return for a semblance of protection from the church and the people, but the general Jewish community is still at the mercy of their neighbors and gentry who resent the Jewish businesses that compete with them.

Within the isolated Jewish communities there were a handful of families who had some power based on their accumulated wealth or ties to the court, and one of those people was a woman named Licoricia who is shown in this insightful history to be an example of a "woman of valor" from Proverbs, one who has an active role in her family life, her community, and the business world.

After a series of massacres, often led by nobles who were in debt to the Jews, the community was ultimately expelled from England by Edward I. This book helps bring their lives forward, offering the general reader a greater understanding of the Jews of England.

While it's now OOP, I also recommend the novel The King's Persons for more on the Jews of medieval England.

[Perlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first heard about this woman from the History for the Curious podcast, and was immediately intrigued. A mystery, a strong Jewish woman in medieval England, antisemitism, court intrigue -- it's all here. Abrams references an earlier work by Bartlet, which I plan to find.
The author's approach is generally understated and factual. Toward the end of the book, passion for her subject suddenly flared into life, and I realized that had been missing for some time.
The illustrations are interesting and add flavor. I think the book would have benefited from some further research or context for the Jews of England.
Overall, a worthy read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scrapes a four. Interesting subject.