A meeting of the wider Norfolk and Norwich Jewish community was held in the Nick Simons Hall on
the 30th July 2023. It was heart-warming to see so many people in the hall, including those from
both Jewish communities in the city, and many people who are not affiliated to either community.
Those involved in the project so far were able to share progress and the aim was to inform everyone
about the plans, and to garner support for the project within the community.
Oren Margolis outlined the project as a “Touchstone to history of the Jewish people”. He explained
that Jurnet’s House is:
- A project in Norwich for promoting the study of the history, culture and heritage, for
celebrating these, and for combatting antisemitism - A partnership with the city and the university
- A strategic opportunity for Humanities research at UEA
- A new way of thinking about and presenting the heritage of Norwich to the local community
and to visitors - A place of memory for world Jewry
- A place of belonging for Jews in Norwich today
And he said that the concept and group around Jurnet’s House had already begun, well before any
work begins on the house.
One of our attendees, Jill Brahams, kindly wrote the following review of the meeting:
There was a definite thrum of anticipation and excitement as I stepped into the crowded Communal
Hall of the Norwich Synagogue to attend the meeting to discuss the future of Music House/Jurnet’s
House in King Street.
The academic lead on this project to turn it into a heritage centre/museum, and place to study
contemporary and historic anti-semitism is Oren Margolis, Lecturer in Renaissance Studies at the
UEA. Other members of the panel were Ben Little, Associate Dean for engagement and innovation
based in the faculty of humanities and Johanna Forster based in the school of global development
and Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for the Civic programme. With Miriam Barnett, member of the
Norwich Jewish Community and Peter Prinsley, also a member of the Norwich Jewish Community and
recently elected City Councillor for Bowthorpe, and his wife Marian Prinsley, former Sheriff of
Norwich and Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, all facets of the project were fully discussed.
Marian explained that this meeting was aimed at the wider Jewish community, including nonaffiliated members. After her knowledgeable introduction, she explained that the indomitable and
wonderful Sophie Cabot, Community Archaeologist, currently working on the Castle Museum project,
founder member of the Norwich Jewish Heritage group and member of the Jurnet’s House group was
also a member of the group but unable to be here. Oren Margolis enthusiastically explained the new
urgency and upsurge of interest. The City Council owned the site which is in dire need of
restoration. We were shown the sad and dangerous condition of this 12th Century undercroft which
is the oldest existing place of Jewish habitation in England and the only secular building from that
century to survive in the city. He explained that Jurnet and his son Isaac were patrons of Jewish
learning and financiers in medieval England and the house is the earliest Jewish house in the country.
I feel that with all this academic and civic input, not to mention the interest of the wider world, the
restoration of this important building will lead to a greater understanding of our medieval history
and knowledge and put Norwich on the map for Jewish history. Personally, I do not wish it to be
known only as the origin of the first blood libel which is often not followed by the whole story of the
fabrication. Jurnet’s House will be a positive attribute to the history of the Jews in Norwich.
If you were unable to join us on the day and would like to know more about this project, please
contact Marian Prinsley on [email protected], or Oren Margolis, at [email protected].