The Body in the Woods: A Medieval Murder Mystery

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom delve into the chilling story of William of Norwich, a 12-year-old apprentice whose murder in 1144 sparked a wave of antisemitism in England and beyond. They explore the historical context of the crime, set against the backdrop of the Anarchy and the rise of Jewish communities in Norwich, and discuss how the accusations against the Jews evolved into a blood libel that fueled persecution for centuries. The hosts analyze the roles of key figures like Bishop William Turber and Thomas of Monmouth, the monk whose account of William's life became a foundational text for anti-Jewish sentiment, and trace the spread of the blood libel across Europe, culminating in the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290.