But when his suitors returned to Spain, they found their dearly-purchased parchments of no more value than waste paper.

The Holy Office laughed Papal Bulls of Privilege to scorn, and the Pope was too indifferent to exert such authority as he might have possessed.
Meanwhile, the Inquisition rapidly took shape.

In 1483 Thomas of Torquemada was nominated Inquisitor General for Castile and Aragon.
Under his rule a Supreme Council was established, over which he presided for life.

The crown sent three assessors to this board; and the Inquisitors were strengthened in their functions by a council of jurists.

Seville, Cordova, Jaen, Toledo, became the four subordinate centers of the Holy Office, each with its own tribunal and its own right of performing _autos da fe_.