The controversy over the readmission of Jews…
February 1656 CE
The controversy over the readmission of Jews has been fought out in the years 1655–56 in a pamphlet war.
The issue divides religious radicals and more conservative elements within society.
The Puritan William Prynne is vehemently opposed to permitting Jews to return, the Quaker Margaret Fell no less passionately in favor.
Although Cromwell had been unable to compel a council of December 1655 to consent formally to readmission, he makes it clear that the ban on Jews will no longer be enforced.
The question of Jewish resettlement in England comes to a practical issue early in 1656 through the declaration of war against Spain, which results in the arrest of Antonio Rodrigues Robles, and forces the Marranos of London to avow their Judaism as a means of avoiding arrest as Spaniards and the confiscation of their goods.
As a final result, Cromwell appears to have given informal permission to the Jews to reside and trade in England on condition that they do not obtrude their worship on public notice and that they refrain from making proselytes.
When the war with Spain breaks out in 1656, Carvajal's property in the Canaries is liable to seizure, as he is a British subject.
Cromwell makes arrangements by which Carvajal's goods are transported from the Canaries in an English ship that passes under Dutch colors.