2. c. 2), passed in 1665 with the long title "An Act for restraining Non-Conformists from inhabiting in Corporations".

It forbade clergymen from living, visiting or preaching[1] within five miles (8 km) of a parish from which they had been expelled, or to come within five miles of any city, town or borough that sends Members to Parliament unless they swore an oath never to resist the king, or attempt to alter the government of Church or State.

The latter involved swearing to obey the 1662 prayer book.

Thousands of ministers were deprived of a living under this act.

As an example, Theodosia Alleine and her husband Joseph Alleine were obliged to move to Taunton after her husband's conviction as a non-conformist.