GCSE History
England's medieval economy ran on wool - the finest in Europe, exported to Flemish cloth towns and traded at fairs from Boston to Winchester. The Jewish community, barred from most professions, provided the credit that kept the system running - and was taxed mercilessly for it. In 1290, Edward I expelled every Jew from England, cancelling their debts and pocketing the political reward. They were not permitted to return for 366 years.