Guildford’s faith leaders sign religious freedom declaration to mark 750 years since Jewish expulsion

Seven hundred and fifty years since Queen Eleanor of Provence expelled Jews from Guildford, a historic commemoration and reconciliation ceremony was held in the city last weekend that saw multiple faith leaders walk together through the city’s ancient sites.

On January 16, 1275, Queen Eleanor received permission from her son Edward I to uproot Jewish people from her lands, including Guildford. The expulsion was part of a wave of persecution against Jews in medieval Britain, which culminated in a royal decree, the Edict of Expulsion in 1290, that banished Jews from the entirety of the king’s realm.

The Jewish community, integral to the economy and possibly the boom experienced by Guildford’s international woollen trade at that time, faced significant persecution under the queen dowager after she inherited Guildford on the death of her husband Henry III.

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Sunday’s event, which aimed to acknowledge historical injustices, promote mutual understanding and foster reconciliation between Jewish and Christian communities specifically, was a collaboration between the Mayor of Guildford, Guildford Synagogue, Guildford Borough Council and the Diocese of Guildford, with the city’s rabbi, Alex Goldberg, leading the arrangements.

A symbolic walk took place from Guildford Castle, where an interfaith memorial service was held, to Guildhall, via the site of the medieval synagogue, the remains of which lie under Guildford High Street and date back to the 12th century.

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Rabbi Goldberg, who last year became the city’s first official rabbi for 750 years, said it was “inspiring to see the Bishop, Mayor, the Council Leader, the Jewish community, and Muslim and Hindu faith leaders come together to reaffirm our commitment to justice, inclusion, and mutual respect.”

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At the ceremony at Guildhall, the Bishop of Guildford, Andrew John Watson, delivered an opening speech, highlighting the significance of the day, before a historian provided guests with an overview of the 1275 expulsion.

A “Declaration of Religious Pluralism” which reaffirms “unwavering dedication to the universal right to freedom of religion and belief” was introduced by the mayor and signed by faith leaders and officers of the Council, followed by prayers for peace and reconciliation by both Christian and Jewish leaders.

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The signed declaration states that the Jewish community, being unjustly expelled by Queen Eleanor, amounted to an “act that left a legacy of sorrow and exclusion,” while the reconciliation event served “as a stark reminder of the perils of intolerance and division”.

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Rabbi Goldberg said afterwards it was “inspiring to see the bishop, mayor, the council ,eader, the Jewish community, and Muslim and Hindu faith leaders come together to reaffirm our commitment to justice, inclusion, and mutual respect.

“Guided by the Guildford Declaration of Freedom of Religion or Belief, we stand united against antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of hatred. Together, we celebrate diversity, honour the past, and pledge to build a future rooted in coexistence, dignity, and shared responsibility – sharing pride in the rich tapestry that makes up our community in Guildford.”

The proceedings included kosher refreshments as well as a band and choir performing both Jewish songs and hymns.