William Penn Part 1 (Ep6)

EPISODE 6:  WILLIAM PENN, PART 1.  The first of a two-part series on the life and legacy of William Penn, the founder of the English colony of Pennsylvania, this episode focuses on his family history and upbringing, his embrace of Quaker belief, and how he became a key figure in the struggle for religious freedom in England. Penn became what today might be considered a “keyboard warrior” and social influencer in support of Quakerism and the right of conscience – in defiance of his father, an English admiral, and of the authorities who imprisoned him for his advocacy and worship. A few years after successfully petitioning for a colonial charter and founding Pennsylvania, Penn became an ally of James II, the embattled Catholic King of England. Penn supported James’ efforts to institute religious tolerance in Britain.

Timestamps for major events/discussions:

[02:47] – Birth of William Penn

[09:13] – William Penn leaves home

[11:29] – Penn becomes a “convinced” Quaker

[20:12] – Penn’s first imprisonment

[27:19] – Penn’s second imprisonment

[31:17] – Penn-Mead trial

[41:25] – Marriage to Gulielma Springett

[44:49] – James II introduced

[47:41] – King Charles II dies, James II ascends to the throne

[54:48] – Prosecution of the Seven Bishops

[55:31] – King James II overthrown

[59:19] – William Penn in hiding

Books to read:  

Two books relied upon to craft this episodes were:

·      William Penn – A Life by Andrew Murphy

·      The Worlds of William Penn, a collection of essays edited by Andrew Murphy and John Smolenski

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