This case arose in August 1670 and concerned two preachers of the Quaker sect, William Penn, 26, and William Mead, 42. Non-conformist views of the Christian religion such as theirs did not fit in with the prevailing doctrines of the Church of England during the reign of Charles II. Their ‘crime’ was to hold a religious meeting in Gracechurch Street, London, as a response to a decision by the authorities to close their Quaker meeting house.
Penn and Mead were arrested and indicted with holding an unlawful assembly. A trial was set for the Old Bailey in September 1670, to be heard before the mayor of London and the recorder for London, among officials and dignitaries, plus a panel of 12 jurors.
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