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Jews Readmitted to England (27 July 1656)

The readmission of Jews to England in 1656 marked a quiet but profound shift in English religious life, revealing how the Reformation reshaped ideas of tolerance, Scripture, and national identity. A Return After Centuries of Exile On 27 July 1656, a small group of Sephardic Jews petitioned Oliver Cromwell’s government for permission to live openly in England. Their request was simple: allow them to worship freely, bury their dead, and trade without fear of expulsion. It was a modest appeal. Its significance was enormous. Jews had been expelled from England in 1290 by Edward I. For more than three centuries, England had no legally recognised Jewish community. Their return in 1656 was not announced with fanfare. No public decree was issued. No formal act of Parliament was passed. Instead, Cromwell quietly allowed them to stay. This understated decision became one of the most important moments in the history of religious toleration in the English-speaking world. Why Jews Were Expelled in ...
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About 95 Notes

95 Notes is a place for anyone curious about the Protestant Reformation — its people, ideas, controversies, and lasting influence on the modern world. The goal is simple: take a period of history that’s often treated as dusty, academic, or overly complicated, and make it clear, engaging, and surprisingly fun to explore.

Whether you’re familiar with names like Martin Luther and John Calvin or you’re just beginning to wonder what the “95 Theses” were actually about, this site aims to give you accessible explanations without requiring a theology degree.

What You’ll Find Here

95 Notes publishes articles that are:

  • Clear and conversational — no jargon, no gatekeeping
  • Historically grounded — accurate, well‑researched, and sourced
  • Lightly humorous — because history doesn’t have to be dry
  • Question‑driven — each article answers the questions people actually ask
  • Focused on the Reformation — its ideas, people, and cultural impact

Topics include:

  • Martin Luther and the early Reformation
  • The Five Solas
  • Key events like the Diet of Worms
  • The printing press and the spread of ideas
  • The theology and controversies that shaped Protestantism

As the site grows, you’ll also see book reviews, historical commentary, and explorations of how Reformation ideas still influence the world today.

Why “95 Notes”?

The name is a nod to Luther’s 95 Theses, the document that helped spark the Reformation.
But instead of 95 arguments nailed to a church door (allegedly), these are “notes” — reflections, explanations, and explorations designed to help modern readers understand a pivotal moment in history.

Who Writes This?

95 Notes is written by someone who loves history, theology, and making complex ideas accessible. The aim isn’t to preach or persuade, but to explain, clarify, and invite curiosity about a period that shaped much of the world we live in today.

The Mission

To make the Reformation understandable, engaging, and relevant — one article at a time.

If you enjoy the content, feel free to explore the articles, share them, or get in touch through the Contact page.