The sheriff's refusal

Evidence

Royal authorities protect the accused Jews.

A · Authenticity

Same authentic manuscript as the rest of the narrative.

B · Content

Sheriff John de Chesney holds that the Jews do not fall under the bishop's court and puts them in safety in Norwich castle.

C · Probative value

Suggests that an accusation was made early, and that it did not convince the royal authorities. Says nothing about anyone's guilt.

Did Jews practise rites involving the murder of children?