A FAMOUS 17th-century trial was re-enacted at Tavistock magistrates' court.
Nigel Pascoe QC brought to life the trial of two Quakers, William Penn and William Mead, which helped to establish the right to trial by jury.
Pascoe uncovered the transcripts of the trial himself 20 years ago, said Rosey Jackson, chair of West Devon Victim Support, introducing him to the audience.
So impressed was he with the case that he devised a re-enactment which he has performed for charities at numerous venues in the UK and US.
Penn and Mead were charged with unlawful assembly leading to riotous behaviour. They had been holding a religious meeting in the street outside their rooms.
At the trial Penn's eloquence held sway with the jury. Despite blatant intimidation from the bench, the jury acquitted Mead and found Penn guilty only of preaching in the street.
The bench said the verdict was unacceptable and sent the jury back several times, confining them without food, water or a chamber pot.
After two days the jury returned a verdict on Penn of 'not guilty'.
The Recorder and Lord Mayor were so incensed that they imprisoned the jury pending payment of large fines. The High Court overturned this outcome and Penn departed for America to found Pennsylvania.
The performance was received enthusiastically and members of the audience expressed a desire to see the courtroom — redundant since its closure by the Lord Chancellor's Department at the end of last year — used for more theatrical events.
The event raised more than £500 for Victim Support and the Penn and Mead Trust.