The revenge of the Spanish refugees in Europe, fostered the Legend
+ The Spanish Black Legend
If the Apology of Guillermo de Orange was the initial idea, this was later completed, with details created or supplied by exiled Spaniards or refugees in the European Courts. An event in the Spanish Court would reinforce his Apology against Felipe II.
The Secretary of State of Spain, accused of murder, corruption and revealing of secrets was put in prison. Taking advantage of his status as Aragon, he abided by its privileges and was sent to Zaragozaa. There, he manages to be released and flees to Navarra. From there it would go to England.
From England, this Spanish character was key. Antonio Pérez, former Secretary of State of Felipe II, who wrote in the year 1594, Laslaciones (as Rafael Peregrino. He sent copies to the main characters of the English Court. Received with enthusiasm by Queen Elizabeth, he was able to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the Kingdom of Spain. Provided, elements to reinforce the Black Legend, such as the murder of Prince Charles, lovers of the King, etc. But also information that in the power of England would serve to combat and attack Spain with more success. Queen Elizabeth was in charge that translations of the book were sent to all the European Royal Courts, he even went so far as to send one to the Court of Aragon to put weeds.
The fate of Antonio Pérez, after wandering around and being used by the European Courts, was the victim of the black legend that he had helped create, and died destitute in Paris.
Another Spanish refugee in Germany, Reinaldo González Montes, wrote in 1568 a book on the practices of the Inquisition against Protestants, etc. Copies were of course sent to England to add fuel to the fire.
These accusations were mutually reinforcing and there were multiple issues over the decades. Even the English and French chroniclers took advantage of the information, rumors and accusations of the writings to make them official history in their countries.
