Quaker leader and founder of Pennsylvania. Born in the Liberty of the Tower. After studying law, he spent several years in Ireland managing his father's estates. During this time he converted to Quakerism. In 1681 he obtained a grant of territory in North America and in 1682 sailed to establish the colony that was to become Pennsylvania. Returning from a period back in England, he found that his constitution had proved to be unworkable and needed to be much altered. Died at Ruscombe, Berkshire.
It was Charles II that named the land in North America 'Pennsylvania', in honour of Penn's father, Admiral Sir William Penn (1621-70). Penn Jnr., a modest Quaker, was uncomfortable, fearing that people would think it was named for him, as indeed people generally do.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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