Conventicle Act

The Conventicle Act of 1664 was one of four acts passed in England during the ministry of Edward Hyde, 1st earl of Clarendon, designed to suppress Nonconformists, also known as Dissenters. This act made it illegal for Nonconformists to hold religious meetings, even in private homes, if more than four outsiders were present. The term "conventicle" itself originally meant "assembly" but evolved to describe illegal or secret meetings for worship, particularly for religions proscribed by law. While the Toleration Act of 1689 eased some restrictions, the Conventicle Act remained in effect until the 19th century.12