Portuguese Royal Edict Enfranchising “New Christians” (i.e.Marranos)
AUCTION 27 |
Tuesday, February 08th,
2005 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Autographed Letters, Manuscripts, Ceremonial & Graphic Art
Lot 201
(SEPHARDICA)
Portuguese Royal Edict Enfranchising “New Christians” (i.e.Marranos)
Lisbon: Regia Officina Typografica 27th May, 1773
Est: $800 - $1,200
PRICE REALIZED $600
THE END OF THE INQUISITION IN PORTUGAL
During the reign of José Manoel I (1750-77) the Inquisition was effectively brought to an end in Portugal. The initiative came from Sebastião José de Carvalho ê Mello, Marques de Pombal (1699-1782), the “power behind the throne.” In a series of acts from 1751 to 1774 Pombal placed the Holy Office of the Inquisition under secular control, thus depriving it of real power. He also restored the rights of the “New Christian” class, putting the descendants of the Marranos on equal social footing with the “Old Christians.” In the present royal edict, King José Manoel allows “New Christians” to leave Portugal and Portuguese possessions at will. See EJ, Vol. XIII, col. 924