THE INQUISITION OF SPAIN

WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR

A HISTORY OF THE INQUISITION OF THE MIDDLE AGES. In three volumes, octavo.

A HISTORY OF AURICULAR CONFESSION AND INDULGENCES IN THE LATIN CHURCH. In three volumes, octavo.

AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF SACERDOTAL CELIBACY IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Third edition. (In preparation.)

A FORMULARY OF THE PAPAL PENITENTIARY IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY. One volume, octavo. (Out of print.)

SUPERSTITION AND FORCE. Essays on The Wager of Law, The Wager of Battle, The Ordeal, Torture. Fourth edition, revised. In one volume, 12mo.

STUDIES IN CHURCH HISTORY. The Rise of the Temporal Power, Benefit of Clergy, Excommunication, The Early Church and Slavery. Second edition. In one volume, 12mo.

CHAPTERS FROM THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF SPAIN, CONNECTED WITH THE INQUISITION. Censorship of the Press, Mystics and Illuminati, Endemoniadas, El Santo Niño de la Guardia, Brianda de Bardaxí.

THE MORISCOS OF SPAIN. THEIR CONVERSION AND EXPULSION. In one volume, 12mo.

A HISTORY
OF THE
INQUISITION OF SPAIN

BY
HENRY CHARLES LEA. LL.D.
———
IN FOUR VOLUMES
———
VOLUME I.
———
New York
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd. 1922
All rights reserved
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Copyright, 1906,
By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.
——
Set up and electrotyped. Published January, 1906.

PREFACE.

IN the following pages I have sought to trace, from the original sources as far as possible, the character and career of an institution which exercised no small influence on the fate of Spain and even, one may say, indirectly on the civilized world. The material for this is preserved so superabundantly in the immense Spanish archives that no one writer can pretend to exhaust the subject. There can be no finality in a history resting on so vast a mass of inedited documents and I do not flatter myself that I have accomplished such a result, but I am not without hope that what I have drawn from them and from the labors of previous scholars has enabled me to present a fairly accurate survey of one of the most remarkable organizations recorded in human annals.

In this a somewhat minute analysis has seemed to be indispensable of its structure and methods of procedure, of its relations with the other bodies of the State and of its dealings with the various classes subject to its extensive jurisdiction. This has involved the accumulation of much detail in order to present the daily operation of a tribunal of which the real importance is to be sought, not so much in the awful solemnities of the auto de fe, or in the cases of a few celebrated victims, as in the silent influence exercised by its incessant and secret labors among the mass of the people and in the limitations which it placed on the Spanish intellect—in the resolute conservatism with which it held the nation in the medieval groove and unfitted it for the exercise of rational liberty when the nineteenth century brought in the inevitable Revolution.

The intimate relations between Spain and Portugal, especially during the union of the kingdoms from 1580 to 1640, has rendered necessary the inclusion, in the chapter devoted to the Jews, of a brief sketch of the Portuguese Inquisition, which earned a reputation even more sinister than its Spanish prototype.

I cannot conclude without expressing my thanks to the gentlemen whose aid has enabled me to collect the documents on which the work is largely based—Don Claudio Pérez Gredilla of the Archives of Simancas, Don Ramon Santa María of those of Alcalá de Henares prior to their removal to Madrid, Don Francisco de Bofarull y Sans of those of the Crown of Aragon, Don J. Figueroa Hernández, formerly American Vice-consul at Madrid, and to many others to whom I am indebted in a minor degree. I have also to tender my acknowledgements to the authorities of the Bodleian Library and of the Royal Libraries of Copenhagen, Munich, Berlin and the University of Halle, for favors warmly appreciated.

Henry Charles Lea.

Philadelphia, October, 1905.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

[BOOK I—ORIGIN AND ESTABLISHMENT.]
[Chapter I—The Castilian Monarchy.]
PAGE
Disorder at the Accession of Ferdinand and Isabella [1]
Condition of the Church[8]
Limitation of Clerical Privilege and Papal Claims[11]
Disputed Succession[18]
Character of Ferdinand and Isabella[20]
Enforcement of Royal Jurisdiction[24]
The Santa Hermandad[28]
Absorption of the Military Orders[34]
[Chapter II—The Jews and the Moors.]
Oppression of Jews taught as a duty[35]
Growth of the Spirit of Persecution[37]
Persecution under the Spanish Catholic Wisigoths[40]
Toleration under the Saracen Conquest—the Mozárabes[44]
The Muladícs[49]
The Jews under the Saracens[50]
Absence of Race or Religious Hatred[52]
The Mudéjares—Moors under Christian Domination[57]
The Church stimulates Intolerance[68]
Influence of the Council of Vienne in 1312[71]
Commencement of repressive Legislation[77]
[Chapter III—The Jews and the Conversos.]
Medieval Persecution of Jews[81]
Their Wealth and Influence in Spain[84]
Clerical Hostility aroused[90]
Popular Antagonism excited[95]
Causes of Dislike—Usury, Official Functions, Ostentation[96]
Massacres in Navarre[100]
Influence of the Accession of Henry of Trastamara[101]
The Massacres of 1391—Ferran Martínez[103]
Creation of the Class of Conversos or New Christians[111]
Deplorable Condition of the Jews[115]
The Ordenamiento de Doña Catalina[116]
Utterances of the Popes and the Council of Basle[118]
Success of the Conversos—The Jews rehabilitate themselves[120]
Renewed Repression under Ferdinand and Isabella[123]
The Conversos become the object of popular hatred[125]
Expulsion of the Jews considered[131]
Expulsion resolved on in 1492—its Conditions[135]
Sufferings of the Exiles[139]
Number of Exiles[142]
Contemporary Opinion[143]
[Chapter IV—Establishment of the Inquisition.]
Doubtful Christianity of the Conversos[145]
Inquisition attempted in 1451[147]
Alonso de Espina and his Fortalicium Fidei[148]
Episcopal Inquisition attempted in 1465[153]
Sixtus IV grants Inquisitorial Powers to his Legate[154]
Attempt to convert and instruct[155]
Ferdinand and Isabella apply to Sixtus IV for Inquisition in 1478[157]
They Require the Power of Appointment and the Confiscations[158]
The first Inquisitors appointed, September 17, 1480[160]
Tribunal opened in Seville—first Auto de Fe, February 6, 1481[161]
Plot to resist betrayed[162]
Edict of Grace[165]
Other tribunals established[166]
Failure of plot in Toledo—number of Penitents[168]
Tribunal at Guadalupe[171]
Necessity of Organization—The Supreme Council—The Inquisitor-general[172]
Character of Torquemada—His quarrels with Inquisitors[174]
Four Assistant Inquisitors-general[178]
Separation of Aragon from Castile[180]
Autonomy of Inquisition—It frames its own Rules[181]
It commands the Forces of the State.—Flight of Suspects[182]
Emigration of New Christians forbidden[184]
Absence of Resistance to the Inquisition[185]
Ferdinand seeks to prevent Abuses[187]
The Career of Lucero at Córdova[189]
Complicity of Juan Roiz de Calcena[193]
Persecution of Archbishop Hernando de Talavera[197]
Córdova appeals to Philip and Juana[201]
Revolt in Córdova[202]
Inquisitor-general Deza forced to resign[205]
Lucero placed on trial[206]
Inquisitorial Abuses at Jaen, Arjona and Llerena[211]
Ximenes attempts Reform[215]
Appeals to Charles V—His futile Project of Reform[216]
Conquest of Navarre—Introduction of Inquisition[223]
[Chapter V—The Kingdoms of Aragon.]
Independent Institutions of Aragon[229]
Ferdinand seeks to remodel the Old Inquisition[230]
Sixtus IV interferes[233]
Torquemada’s Authority is extended over Aragon[236]
Assented to by the Córtes of Tarazona in 1484[238]
Valencia
Popular Resistance[239]
Resistance overcome[242]
Aragon
Tribunal organized in Saragossa[244]
Opposition[245]
Resistance in Teruel[247]
Murder of Inquisitor Arbués[249]
Papal Brief commanding Extradition[253]
Punishment of the Assassins[256]
Ravages of the Inquisition[259]
Catalonia
Its Jealousy of its Liberties[260]
Resistance prolonged until 1487[261]
Scanty Results[263]
Oppression and Complaints[264]
The Balearic Isles
Inertia of the Old Inquisition[266]
Introduction of the New in 1488—Its Activity[267]
Tumult in 1518[268]
Complaints of Córtes of Monzon, in 1510[269]
Concordia of 1512[270]
Leo X releases Ferdinand from his Oath[272]
Inquisitor-general Mercader’s Instructions[273]
Leo X confirms the Concordia of 1512[274]
Charles V swears to observe the Concordia[275]
Dispute over fresh Demands of Aragon[276]
Decided in favor of Aragon[282]
Catalonia secures Concessions[283]
Futility of all Agreements—Fruitless Complaints of Grievances[284]
[BOOK II—RELATIONS WITH THE STATE.]
[Chapter I—Relations with the Crown.]
Combination of Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdiction[289]
Ferdinand’s Control of the Inquisition[289]
Except in Spiritual Affairs[294]
Gradual Development of Independence[298]
Philip IV reasserts Control over Appointments[300]
It returns to the Inquisitor-general under Carlos II[301]
The Crown retains Power of appointing the Inquisitor-general[302]
It cannot dismiss him but can enforce his Resignation—Cases[304]
Struggle of Philip V with Giudice—Case of Melchor de Macanaz[314]
Cases under Carlos III and Carlos IV[320]
Relations of the Crown with the Suprema[322]
The Suprema interposes between the Crown and the Tribunals[325]
It acquires control over the Finances[328]
Its Policy of Concealment[331]
Philip IV calls on it for Assistance[333]
Philip V reasserts Control[336]
Pecuniary Penances[337]
Assertion of Independence[340]
Temporal Jurisdiction over Officials[343]
Growth of Bureaucracy limits Royal Autocracy[346]
Reassertion of Royal Power under the House of Bourbon[348]
[Chapter II—Supereminence.]
Universal Subordination to the Inquisition[351]
Its weapons of Excommunication and Inhibition[355]
Power of Arrest and Imprisonment[357]
Assumption of Superiority[357]
Struggle of the Bishops[358]
Questions of Precedence[362]
Superiority to local Law[365]
Capricious Tyranny[366]
Inviolability of Officials and Servants[367]
Enforcement of Respect[371]
[Chapter III—Privileges and Exemptions.]
Exemption from taxation[375]
Exemption from Custom-house Dues[384]
Attempts of Valencia Tribunal to import Wheat from Aragon[385]
Privilege of Valencia Tribunal in the Public Granary[388]
Speculative Exploitation of Privileges by Saragossa Tribunal[389]
Coercive Methods of obtaining Supplies[392]
Valencia asserts Privilege of obtaining Salt[394]
Exemption from Billets of Troops[395]
The Right to bear Arms[401]
Exemption from Military Service[412]
The Right to hold Secular Office[415]
The Right to refuse Office[420]
The Right of Asylum[421]
[Chapter IV—Conflicting Jurisdictions.]
Benefit of Clergy[427]
Ferdinand grants to the Inquisition exclusive Jurisdiction overits Officials[429]
He confines it to Salaried Officials in criminal Actions and as
Defendants in civil Suits		[430]
Abusive Extension of Jurisdiction by Inquisitors[431]
Limitations in the Concordia of 1512[432]
Servants of Officials included in the fuero[432]
Struggle in Castile over the Question of Familiars[434]
Settled by the Concordia of 1553[436]
The Concordia extended to Navarre[438]
Struggle in Valencia—Concordia of 1554[439]
Concordia disregarded—Córtes of 1564[441]
Valencia Concordia of 1568[442]
Disregard of its Provisions[445]
Complaints of criminal Familiars unpunished[446]
Aragon—its Court of the Justicia[450]
Grievances arising from the Temporal Jurisdiction[452]
The Concordia of 1568[454]
Complaints of its Infraction—Córtes of 1626[454]
Case of the City of Huesca[456]
Córtes of 1646—Aragon assimilated to Castile[458]
Diminished Power of the Inquisition in Aragon[461]
Catalonia—Non-observance of Concordias of 1512 and 1520[465]
Disorders of the Barcelona Tribunal—Fruitless Complaints[467]
Catalonia—Hatred of the Tribunal—Catalonia rejects the Concordia of 1568[469]
Córtes of 1599—Duplicity of Philip III[471]
Increasing Discord—Fruitless Efforts of Córtes of 1626and 1632—Concordia of Zapata[472]
Rebellion of 1640—Expulsion of Inquisitors—A National
Inquisition established		[476]
Inquisition restored in 1652—Renewal of Discord[479]
War of Succession—Catalan Liberties abolished[483]
Majorca—Conflicts with the Civil Authorities[484]
Contests in Castile—Subservience of the Royal Power[485]
Exemption of Familiars from summons as Witnesses[491]
Conflicts with the Spiritual Courts[493]
Cases in Majorca—Intervention of the Holy See[498]
Conflicts with the Military Courts[504]
Conflicts with the Military Orders—Project of the Order ofSanta María de la Espada Blanca[505]
Profits of the Temporal Jurisdiction of the Inquisition[508]
Abuses and evils of the System[509]
Fruitless Efforts to reform it in 1677 and 1696[511]
Repression under the House of Bourbon[514]
Competencias for Settlement of Disputes[517]
The Temporal Jurisdiction under the Restoration[520]
Refusal of Competencias by the Inquisition[521]
Projects of Relief[524]
[Chapter V—Popular Hostility.]
Causes of Popular Hatred[527]
Visitations of the Barcelona Tribunal[528]
Troubles in Logroño[530]
Preferences claimed in Markets[533]
Trading by Officials[534]
Character of Officials[536]
Grievances of Feudal Nobles[537]
General Detestation a recognized Fact[538]
[Appendix.]List of Tribunals[541]
List of Inquisitors-general[556]
Spanish Coinage[560]
Documents[567]