Tovey, D’Blossiers. Anglia Judaica: or The History and Antiquities of the Jews in England

Anglia Judaica, by the English clergyman D’Blossiers Tovy (1692-1745), is the first comprehensive history of the Jews of England, with especially useful information concerning the protracted negotiations between Menasseh ben Israel and Oliver Cromwell over the proposed resettlement of the Jews in England - a crucial period in Anglo-Jewish history. According to Tovey, so great were the hopes the Jews pinned on Protector Cromwell, that a certain faction among them believed Cromwell was the Messiah. ”The Asiatick Jews, much about the Time of Menasseh’s coming into England, sent hither, likewise, the noted Rabbi Jacob Ben Azahel, with several others of his Nation, to make private Enquiry whether Cromwell was not that Messiah whom they had so long expected. Which Deputys, upon their Arrival…were several Times indulg’d the Favor of a private Audience from Him. And as one of them, propos’d buying the Hebrew Books, and Manuscripts, belonging to the University of Cambridge, in Order to have an Opportunity, under Pretence of viewing them, to inquire amongst his Relations in Huntingtonshire, where he [Cromwell] was born, whether any of his Ancestors could be prov’d of Jewish Extract.” Tovey, p. 275. See C. Roth, A Life of Menasseh Ben Israel (1945), pp. 285, 351; EJ, Vol. XV, col. 1291; EJ, Vol. VI, col. 755 (facsimile of title page)