Bowl display links city to medieval Jewish past

The bronze cauldron dates to the 13th Century and has an inscription in Hebrew which suggests a connection to Colchester

A 13th Century bronze bowl linked to Colchester's medieval Jewish community is to return to the city.

The Bodleian Bowl has a Hebrew inscription suggesting a connection with the city, but this would have identified its owners as Jewish at the time of the community's expulsion from England in 1290.

The 25cm by 25cm (9.8in) artefact was discovered in a moat in Norfolk in the late 1600s and will be exhibited at Colchester Castle Museum from 27 September.

Colchester city councillor Natalie Sommers said the display "not only explores the lives of medieval Jewish communities in Colchester, but also underscores the positive relationships they had within our city".

'Rich tapestry'

The inscription has been translated as "This is the gift of Joseph, the son of the Holy Rabbi Jehiel – may the memory of the righteous holy be for a blessing – who answered and asked the congregation as he desired in order to behold the face of Ariel", according to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Jewish people began to settle in England from the late 1100s but after growing levels of persecution and prejudice, they were expelled from the country by Edward I.

Medieval bodies found in a well in Norwich in 2004 have been linked to this upsurge in anti-Semitic violence.

The display hopes to highlight "a lesser-known aspect of Colchester's history", according to the organisers.

Ms Sommers, portfolio holder for communities, heritage and public protection, said: "By showcasing this artefact, we honour our city's diverse history and deepen our understanding of its rich tapestry of communities."