Contested identities: interpreting and representing medieval Jewish History in Bristol

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the late 1980s, a potentially significant site with links to the city’s medieval Jews was discovered in Bristol. The site has ‘Scheduled Monument’ status, granted by Historic England, and has been described as a ritual bath, ranging from mikveh to bet tohorah. This paper takes an interdisciplinary approach, discussing the complexities of interpreting the monument, its authenticity, and significance to the memory of local medieval Jewish history. This paper highlights utilises the historical narrative of the site and the roles of multiple stakeholders to frame wider considerations of prominent issues concerning identity, authority and ownership.