In 1726 William Brown was found guilty of the misdemeanour of attempting to commit sodomy in picking up Thomas Newton, a hustler while out strolling in the area of Moorfields Park popularly known as the "Sodomites' Walk". In his defence, he declared to the authorities that he was absolutely not ashamed of his behaviour, a startling statement of sexual independence and pride in a strongly homophobic era:

"I did it because I thought I knew him, and I think there is no Crime in making what use I please of my own Body."

He was sentenced to stand in the pillory in Moorfields, London, and to pay a fine of 10 marks, then to go to prison for two months.

Source: See the Old Bailey Proceedings, and also Fone, B. Homophobia: A History. Henry Holt, 2000. p. 254