On 23 July 1858, the UK parliament passed the Jews Relief Act 1858, thus finally allowing Jews to enter Westminster as MPs.

The newspaper reports from 1858 about the ‘Jew Bill’ and the amended Oath of Allegiance make for fascinating reading, with many MPs vehemently against the passing of the legislation – some of the speeches are very heated and emotional.

To give you a sense of the charged atmosphere, here are three newspaper reports that were published the day after the legislation was approved.

Huddersfield Chronicle – Saturday 24 July 1858

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000167/18580724/011/0004

East London Observer – Saturday 24 July 1858

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000442/18580724/022/0004

East London Observer – Saturday 24 July 1858

Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000442/18580724/022/0004