Like many statements about the Spanish
Inquisition, that one’s not quite true.
Initially, at least, everyone expected the Spanish Inquisition. When the Inquisition rolled up on your city, the Inquisitor would publicly read
out the Edict of Grace after Sunday
mass, after which those who presented themselves within the next 30 to
40 days were able to reconcile with the state church without severe
consequences.
So much for the cliché. Still, some people
have a view of history that’s about as accurate as Michael Palin’s
opening salvo from the famous Monty Python skit.
