Source 5

‘In the appointment of sheriffs Southampton has evidently shown its attachment to the great principles of civil and religious liberty. We believe it was the first [in 1838, seven years before the removal of the requirement of a Christian oath for municipal office] corporation in the United Kingdom to admit a member of the Hebrew persuasion. That gentleman was afterwards sheriff, and now we have had two successive appointments of the same character. Mr Emanuel [who became sheriff and then mayor of Southampton] will no doubt carry out the duties of his office in an honourable and dignified manner, and we hope that the great political principle involved in his election will be truly and extensively appreciated.’

Southampton Times, editorial, 12 November 1864.

This newspaper editorial from 1864 celebrates Southampton’s history of appointing Jewish sheriffs, at a time when this was somewhat of a novelty in Britain.

Questions to consider:

1. How does the writer feel the appointment of Jewish sheriffs reflects on Southampton?
2. What can we infer from this source about how Jews were viewed and treated in Southampton in the nineteenth century?
3. To what extent does this source celebrate Jewish contributions to civic life in Southampton or Southampton’s religious tolerance and equality?