A Grade I listed, 13th century building on Steep Hill, traditionally thought to be on the site of a Medieval Synagogue and now a historical book shop.
Though the history of Jew's Court is shrouded in mystery, it came close to demolition before it became home to the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. The building therefore houses the society's offices, a lecture room and library, the meeting place for the Lincoln Jewish Community, as well as a local history bookshop selling historical books, second-hand books (fact and fiction) and postcards.
The term 'court' probably refers to the courtyard withing Jewish communal buildings as part of a synagogue complex.
The Medieval synagogue is thought to have been housed behind the two surviving Medieval houses as it is unlikely that a synagogue would have been on the street. Archaeological evidence suggests that the main walls contain 13th century material, with many 18th cenutry additions.
The synagogue was attacked, along with the Jewry, in 1266 by the Disinherited Barons and Gentlemen in the Isle of Oxholme. Along with the whole city of Lincoln, the Jews were ‘spoyled’, with the attackers entering the synagogue and burning holy documents.
There is record also of a large Jewish wedding in Lincoln in 1271, thought to have taken place at the synagogue here. The building is one of only five surviving Medieval Jewish houses in England, evidence of the prominent Jewish community in Lincoln during the 12th and 13th century.
Today the upper room is used by the Lincolnshire Jewish Community, refounded in 1992, as a synagogue. Next door is Jew's House, the former residence of a local Rabbi and now home to a stylish restaurant.
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