Clarendon Code

The Cavalier or Pensioner Parliament first met on 8 May 1661. It passed a series of severe statutes known as the Clarendon Code. These were the Corporation Act (1661), the Act of Uniformity* (1662), Conventicle Act* (1664), and Five Mile Act* (1665). Their aim was to remove from the ministry of the church as well as from national and local government those who did not subscribe to the liturgy and doctrines of the Church of England. They are named after Sir Edward Hyde, earl of Clarendon (1609-74), who was the Lord Chancellor under Charles II, but he was not wholly responsible for them.