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The theory, known as "British Israel", was set forth by John
Sadler in 1649, and elaborated by Richard Brothers (1757-1824), who established a cult around
it
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In essence, the theory asserts that of the twelve tribes of Israel, ten were lost, as a result
of the deportations which took place under the Assyrian kings.
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These tribes of the Northern Kingdom (Israel), it is said, then
wandered for centuries in the West, or, variously, through Russia, then Prussia, across the Baltic into Scandinavia, and
thence made their way to Britain, some time around the fifth century.
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The tribe of Ephraim is said to be the stock which, together with the Celts, makes up the population of England,
Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, whereas the descendants of the tribe of Manasseh are said to be in the United States.
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Furthermore, it is asserted that the people of Israel (which is
taken to refer to the North Israelites) are those destined to fulfill the prophecy of the return to Palestine.
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