Inés of Herrera

The child prophetess Inés of Herrera was born in Herrera del Duque, Spain. Her mother died soon after giving birth to Inés, who was raised by her father, Juan Esteban, a shoemaker and leather worker. In 1499, Inés began to experience prophetic visions in which her deceased mother accompanied her on heavenly journeys, imparting to her religious instruction. Inés followed her mother’s instructions, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and observing the Sabbath. Inés shared her prophecies and attracted numerous followers among the New Christians living in Herrera and surrounding area: men, women, and children. Many used the pretext of buying leather to visit her in Herrera. Her followers began to observe Jewish law and awaited the coming of Elijah, who would lead them to the Promised Land. However, her large following attracted the attention of the Inquisition, and by August 1500 she had been burned at the stake. The records of Inés’s trial are no longer extant. However, the files of the Inquisition include numerous interrogations of her followers, among them children as young as ten years old.