Relieved of his administrative duties in 1675, he spent the next four years in France, mainly occupied with medical observation.

He returned to England in 1679 to assist Lord Shaftesbury in the passionate debates upon the Exclusion Bill.

Locke followed his patron into exile, remaining abroad from 1683 until the Revolution.

Deprived of his fellowship in 1684 through the malice of Charles II, he would have been without means of support had not Shaftesbury bequeathed him a pension.

As it was, he had no easy time.
His extradition was demanded by James II after the Monmouth rebellion; and though he was later pardoned he refused to return to England until William of Orange had procured his freedom.