An Act to Oblige the Jews to Maintain and Provide for Their Protestant Children [1 Anne, st. I, c. 30].

London: Charles Bill, Executrix of Thomas Newcomb, 1702.

Price: $3,500.00

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About the item

453-454 pp. 4to. Contemporary blind-stamped paneled calf, manuscript spine label.

Item #306604

"To the end that sufficient maintenance be provided and allowed for the children of Jewish parents, who shall turn Protestants …" The law was enacted in response to the case of Jacob de Mendez Berta, who refused to support his 18-year-old daughter Mary after her conversion. The testimony of Mary and her Protestant supporters is recorded in the Journals of the House of Commons, after which it was resolved that a bill (i.e. the present Act) be written to address her case.

The law remained in effect until the middle of the 19th century, though it was enacted expressly for Mary de Mendez Berta's benefit and does not seem to have been enforced thereafter.

In bound collection of Acts from the reigns of William III (years 13 & 14) and Queen Anne (years 1-5).