William Penn Grants Land in Pennsylvania to a Quaker Who Had Been Persecuted and Imprisoned For the Faith in England

An uncommon grant signed in Philadelphia, as most were signed in England either before or after Penn’s time in America.

This document has been sold. Contact Us

Philip England was a Quaker who had been held in prison in England on writ of excommunication. Released, he emigrated first to Ireland and then in July 1683 to Philadelphia. He received a license to keep a tavern, and to establish a ferry, then married a widow with land in Delaware and...

Read More

William Penn Grants Land in Pennsylvania to a Quaker Who Had Been Persecuted and Imprisoned For the Faith in England

An uncommon grant signed in Philadelphia, as most were signed in England either before or after Penn’s time in America.

Philip England was a Quaker who had been held in prison in England on writ of excommunication. Released, he emigrated first to Ireland and then in July 1683 to Philadelphia. He received a license to keep a tavern, and to establish a ferry, then married a widow with land in Delaware and thus had holdings in two states. The History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania states that Penn gave “a tract of four hundred and fifty acres, patented Sixth month 2, 1684, to Philip England”. This is the very document making this land grant.

Document signed, Philadelphia, 2nd day of Sixth month [June], 1684, transferring 450 acres of land in Newtown, Chester County (now Newtown Square, Delaware County) to England.

What is noteworthy about this document is that it was signed by Penn in Philadelphia. The original land grants for Philadelphia and surrounding area were executed in England, before Penn left for America. He arrived in Philadelphia in late October 1682. In August, 1684, he took a ship back to England, where there were business matters to which he had to attend. He did not expect to be long gone, but fifteen years passed before he again set foot on American soil. So all land grants after August 1684 were also signed in England. Land grants signed in Philadelphia are thus much less common than those signed in England.

Frame, Display, Preserve

Each frame is custom constructed, using only proper museum archival materials. This includes:The finest frames, tailored to match the document you have chosen. These can period style, antiqued, gilded, wood, etc. Fabric mats, including silk and satin, as well as museum mat board with hand painted bevels. Attachment of the document to the matting to ensure its protection. This "hinging" is done according to archival standards. Protective "glass," or Tru Vue Optium Acrylic glazing, which is shatter resistant, 99% UV protective, and anti-reflective. You benefit from our decades of experience in designing and creating beautiful, compelling, and protective framed historical documents.

Learn more about our Framing Services