Mexican Inquisition papers, 1525-1918, bulk 1525-1822

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Summary

Abstract:
Original records of 93 trials from the archives of the Holy Office of the Inquisition in Mexico.
Extent:
15.9 Linear Feet (49 volumes, 10 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in Spanish.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Mexican Inquisition papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of the original records of 93 trials from the archives of the Holy Office of the Inquisition in Mexico. The testimony of these trials (for heresy, blasphemy, violation of ecclesiastical vows, witchcraft, Judaism, and other charges) reveals much information about ethnic groups and manners and customs in colonial Mexico. Also included are facsimiles of portions of the Libro Primero de Votos. A list of volumes in Series I was published in Hispanic American Historical Review, Nov. 1964, pp.565-567. Many of the case files were listed for sale in Blake's Catalogue of Autographs and Manuscripts, Printed Books on the Inquisition, and Associated Books, no.8 (1909).

Biographical / historical:

The Mexican Inquisition was an extension of the institution in Spain which had been originated by the papal bull of Sixtus IV in 1478. The Supreme Council of the Spanish Inquisition originally controlled both the local tribunals in Spain and those in the colonies. In 1571 the Holy Office was established as a separate body in Mexico. The purpose was to detect and try heretics or persons guilty of any offense against the church (including violations by priests) and to investigate the blood lines and genealogy of individuals aspiring to positions of trust in the Church or government.

Acquisition information:
Series I manuscripts were a gift of Walter Douglas in 1944. Series II manuscripts were a gift of W.F. Stuart-Menteth in 1932. Photostatic copies were received through G.R.G. Conway on February 1927.
Arrangement:

Organized in three series:

  1. Volumes
  2. Boxes
  3. Facsimiles and miscellaneous
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

RESTRICTED. Available with curatorial approval. Requires extended retrieval and delivery time.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Mexican Inquisition papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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