William of Norwich: 12th century
Murder, Miracles and Myth

In the period of Anarchy under King Stephen (1135-1144), the growing size and wealth of the Jewish community was watched with envy by the English and French. When a Norfolk lad was found "murdered", the young man, William, was venerated and a series of astounding miracles attributed to him. His death was blamed on Jews and an anti-Semitic rumour grew that children’s blood was used for religious rituals. This “Blood libel” myth fuelled centuries of oppression for Jewish people including direct references to it by the Nazis.