Isaac of Norwich

In the 13th century Norwich was one of the largest and most important towns in England. One of its richest and most powerful residents was Isaac, also known as Isaac ben Eliav. In the Hebrew sources Isaac is mentioned with the title “nadiv”, that indicates he was a patron of learning as well.

In 1210 he was imprisoned by the King John and his house confiscated. In the early years of reign of the King Henry III, Isaac was the most important Jewish money-lender at Norwich. In 1218 he had to pay a fine of 20,000 marks for concealment of chattels.

After his death, his son Samuel succeeded him at the position in the Norwich community.

An issue of Exchequer, 17, Hen.III. (1233) contains his caricature and represents him as being tortured by a demon which is in accordance with the contemporary Christian view of Jewish greediness in general.