On Charles II accession there was renewed persecution against Nonconformists. Baxter, by this time a very sick and decrepit 70 year old, was the chosen target to make an example of. He was arrested under the warrant of Judge Jeffries for publishing a seditious book called, ‘Paraphrase of the New Testament’; a ludicrous charge. Jeffries was Lord Chief Justice and a vile, merciless man who sent many innocent people to Australia, many of whom died on the way or at their place of destination. Baxter’s trial is famous in legal history for its injustice. In the Appendix of his Autobiography there are eye-witness accounts of the proceedings. Baxter was fined and had to stay in prison until it was paid, but Baxter refused to pay it. He was in the King’s Bench prison for 18 months and he was treated well and was more comfortable than could reasonably be expected. In the end, the King waived the fine and Baxter was released.
The old King's Bench prison is long gone, the Southwark Coroners Court stands in its place.