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Evidence of the Cagots exists back as far as AD 1000, though their origins are lost to history.In western France and northern Spain they were regarded as an inferior caste of humans, even sub-humans.
It explained the procedure to judge the purity of blood of a candidate as follows: Kneeling, with his right hand placed over the image of a crucifix on a Bible, the candidate confirmed not being of either Jewish or Moorish extraction.
In 1870 a decree suppressed all use of blood purity standards in determining eligibility for any government position or licensed profession.
Less formalised discrimination was still present well into the 20th century.
Then the candidate provided the names of the parents and grandparents, as well as places of birth.
Two delegates of the council, church or other public place would then research the information to make sure it was truthful.