A HISTORIC bowl linked to the city's medieval Jewish community is set to be displayed at the Colchester Castle museum.

The 13th century Bodleian Bowl will be on show from September 27 until January 27.

The bowl was found in a Norfolk moat in the 1600s and is believed to have been given to a Colchester congregation by Rabbi Joseph, son of Rabbi Yechiel.

It has Hebrew inscriptions identifying its owners as Jewish, a dangerous declaration after the 1290 Edict of Expulsion which forced all Jewish people to flee England or convert to Christianity.

The museum hopes the display will shed light on a little-known part of Colchester's history and enhance understanding of medieval Jewish life in the area.

The museum has worked closely with Colchester's contemporary Jewish community to explore and honour this cultural heritage.

Council heritage boss Natalie Sommers said: "The Bodleian Bowl represents an invaluable addition to our cultural heritage.

"This spotlight display not only explores the lives of medieval Jewish communities in Colchester, but also underscores the positive relationships they had within our city.

"By showcasing this artefact, we honour our city's diverse history and deepen our understanding of its rich tapestry of communities."