The Spanish Inquisition, a period of history that still captures our imagination, was far more complex than most people realise. Established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, it lasted until 1834 – a whopping 356 years. While often associated with religious persecution, torture, and the infamous auto-da-fé, many aspects of the Inquisition might surprise you. From its unexpected origins to its lasting impact on society, the Spanish Inquisition shaped history in ways you might never have guessed. Let’s explore 21 lesser-known facts that paint a more nuanced picture of this controversial institution.
It Wasn’t Spain’s First Inquisition
The Spanish Inquisition wasn’t actually the first in Spain. A Medieval Inquisition had been active in Aragon since the 13th century. The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, was different because it was controlled by the monarchy rather than the Pope. This royal control made it a unique and powerful tool for the Spanish crown. The shift from papal to royal authority marked a significant change in the relationship between church and state in Spain.
Jews Were Initially Protected
In the early years of the Inquisition, converted Jews (known as conversos) who sincerely practised Christianity were actually protected from persecution. The Inquisition’s initial target was those who falsely converted while secretly maintaining Jewish practices. This protection didn’t last long, however, and by 1492, all Jews were expelled from Spain. The expulsion, known as the Alhambra Decree, forced an estimated 200,000 Jews to leave their homes.
It Spread to the New World
The Spanish Inquisition wasn’t confined to Europe. As Spain colonised the Americas, the Inquisition followed. Tribunals were established in Mexico, Peru, and Cartagena, among other places. These New World Inquisitions often focused on enforcing Catholic orthodoxy among indigenous populations and European settlers. The first auto-da-fé in the Americas took place in Mexico City in 1574, marking the Inquisition’s firm establishment in the New World.
Torture Was Less Common Than You Think
While torture is often associated with the Inquisition, it was actually used less frequently than popular belief suggests. Records show that torture was used in only about 2% of cases. When used, it was subject to strict rules and limitations, including a ban on drawing blood or causing permanent injury. The Inquisition’s methods of torture were often less severe than those used in secular courts of the time.
The ‘Spanish Inquisition’ Joke Is Relatively New
The famous Monty Python sketch that popularised the phrase “Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!” only dates back to 1970. Before this, the Inquisition wasn’t a common subject of jokes in British culture. The sketch’s popularity has significantly shaped modern perceptions of the Inquisition. Ironically, in reality, the Inquisition typically gave 30 days’ notice before arriving in a town.
It Targeted More Than Just Heretics
While often associated with persecuting heretics, the Inquisition also went after bigamists, blasphemers, and even those accused of witchcraft. In fact, the Spanish Inquisition was generally more lenient towards accused witches than secular courts of the time, often dismissing such cases as superstition. The Inquisition also prosecuted Protestants, Muslims, and anyone suspected of “Judaizing” – practising Jewish customs after converting to Christianity.
There Was a Chance to Confess
The Inquisition would announce a “Period of Grace” when arriving in a new area. During this time, people could come forward and confess their sins without fear of severe punishment. Many took advantage of this opportunity, often denouncing others in the process. Those who confessed during this period typically received lighter sentences, such as fines or brief periods of house arrest.
It Had Its Own Secret Police
The Inquisition employed a network of informants known as “familiares.” These were lay Catholics who served as the eyes and ears of the Inquisition in their communities. Being a familiar was considered an honour and came with certain privileges, including tax exemptions. Familiares were often from noble families and their position helped them climb the social ladder.
Most Trials Ended Without Execution
Contrary to popular belief, most Inquisition trials did not end in execution. The most common punishments were penance, fines, or imprisonment. Execution, usually by burning at the stake, was reserved for the most serious cases or repeat offenders. Statistics show that only about 1.8% of those tried by the Spanish Inquisition were executed.
It Banned Books
The Inquisition was responsible for censorship, maintaining an Index of Forbidden Books. This list included works deemed heretical or immoral. Surprisingly, some scientific works were banned not for their content, but because they were written by Protestants. The first Index was published in 1559 and continued to be updated until the 19th century.
Napoleon Briefly Abolished It
During his invasion of Spain in 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte abolished the Inquisition. However, it was reinstated after his defeat. This brief abolition and subsequent reinstatement shows how deeply ingrained the institution was in Spanish society. The Inquisition’s archives were scattered during this period, with many documents lost or destroyed.
It Had Its Own Legal Code
The Inquisition developed a sophisticated legal system with its own rules and procedures. Accused individuals had certain rights, including the right to legal counsel. These procedures were often more advanced than those in secular courts of the time. The Inquisition’s legal code, known as the Instrucciones, was first compiled in 1484 and underwent several revisions over the centuries.
Women Played a Role
While the higher ranks of the Inquisition were exclusively male, women played important roles as informants, witnesses, and even as accused heretics. Some nuns were particularly influential in identifying and reporting suspected heretics within their communities. Women also made up a significant portion of those accused of witchcraft and other spiritual crimes.
It Influenced Modern Legal Systems
Some aspects of the Inquisition’s legal procedures influenced the development of modern law. For example, the concept of “presumption of innocence” was part of inquisitorial law long before it became a staple of modern legal systems. The Inquisition’s emphasis on written records and systematic procedures also contributed to the development of modern bureaucratic practices.
The Last Execution Was in 1826
The last person executed by the Spanish Inquisition was Cayetano Ripoll, a schoolmaster accused of deism, in 1826. This execution took place just eight years before the Inquisition was finally abolished, showing how the institution’s power had waned over time. Ripoll’s execution by hanging, rather than burning, reflected changing attitudes towards capital punishment.
It Wasn’t Always About Religion
While religious orthodoxy was its primary concern, the Inquisition sometimes dealt with purely secular matters. For instance, it prosecuted cases of smuggling and tax evasion, particularly in the American colonies where it often acted as an arm of the colonial government. The Inquisition also regulated the trade of books and art, effectively serving as a censorship body for the Spanish Empire.
It Had a Lasting Impact on Spanish Culture
The long-term effects of the Inquisition on Spanish society were profound. It contributed to a culture of secrecy and suspicion that some historians argue persisted long after the institution’s abolition. This legacy influenced literature, art, and even everyday social interactions. The phrase “Inquisition mentality” is still used in Spain to describe an atmosphere of intolerance or persecution.
Not All Jews and Muslims Were Expelled
While the Edict of Expulsion in 1492 ordered all Jews to leave Spain, some managed to stay by converting to Christianity. Similarly, not all Muslims were immediately expelled. The last mass expulsion of Moriscos (converted Muslims) didn’t occur until 1609-1614. Some Jewish and Muslim families maintained their secret faith for generations, leading to the phenomenon of “crypto-Jews” and “crypto-Muslims.”
It Generated Massive Archives
The meticulous record-keeping of the Inquisition has left historians with a wealth of information. The Inquisition’s archives contain millions of pages of trial transcripts, reports, and correspondence, providing invaluable insights into life in early modern Spain and its colonies. These archives, now housed in various locations including the National Historical Archive in Madrid, continue to be a rich source for historical research.
It Wasn’t Unique to Spain
While the Spanish Inquisition is the most famous, other countries had their own versions. Portugal, for example, established its own Inquisition in 1536. The Roman Inquisition, focused on combating Protestantism, began in 1542 and continued until the 19th century. Each of these Inquisitions had its own unique characteristics, reflecting the political and religious climates of their respective regions.
Its End Was More of a Whimper Than a Bang
The final abolition of the Spanish Inquisition in 1834 wasn’t accompanied by great fanfare or revolution. By that time, the institution had lost much of its power and influence. Its ending was more a reflection of changing times than a dramatic overthrow. The last Inquisitor General, Jerónimo Castellón y Salas, quietly handed over the Inquisition’s assets to the Spanish government, marking the end of an era.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
