A statement on William of Norwich

A recently made short film about the lives of Jewish communities in Norwich and Lincoln has led to discussions about how the subject of William of Norwich is presented.

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “Norwich Cathedral values its good relationships with the Norwich Synagogue built up over many years.

“It has therefore been keen to respond positively to concerns recently raised by members of the Synagogue community about how the history of William of Norwich and the blood libel has been presented in the Cathedral.

“The Norwich blood libel – the false accusation made in the twelfth century that Jews ritually murdered a boy called William (who was then buried in the Cathedral) - has played a tragic part in the long and dark history of anti-Semitism.

"Representatives of the Synagogue and Cathedral are working together to address this history, as they continue to build positive relationships between the two communities.”

On Thursday 4 December the film The Innocents will be shown at Cinema City as part of British-Jewish Life on Film and the Dean will be taking part in a Q&A with members of the Jewish community.

Click here for more details: https://cathedral.org.uk/events/british-jewish-life-on-film/