APPENDIX D DOCUMENTS OF CONTROL (continued 3)

[§ 10.] Reserves privileges of John Dutton.

cxiv.

[1598, Feb. 19. Privy Council Minute, printed Dasent, xxviii. 327.]

A letter to the Master of the Revelles and Justices of Peace of Middlesex and Surrey. Whereas licence hath bin graunted unto two companies of stage players retayned unto us, the Lord Admyral and Lord Chamberlain, to use and practise stage playes, whereby they might be the better enhabled and prepared to shew such plaies before her Majestie as they shalbe required at tymes meete and accustomed, to which ende they have bin cheefelie licensed and tollerated as aforesaid, and whereas there is also a third company who of late (as wee are informed) have by waie of intrusion used likewise to play, having neither prepared any plaie for her Majestie nor are bound to you, the Masters of the Revelles, for perfourming such orders as have bin prescribed and are enjoyned to be observed by the other two companies before mencioned. Wee have therefore thought good to require you uppon receipt heereof to take order that the aforesaid third company may be suppressed and none suffered heereafter to plaie but those two formerlie named belonging to us, the Lord Admyrall and Lord Chamberlaine, unles you shall receave other direccion from us. And so, &c.

cxv.

[1598, May 1. Abstract from Vestry records of St. Saviour’s, Southwark, by W. Rendle, Bankside, vi, in Harrison, ii, App. i.]

It had been ordered, May 1, 1598, that Mr. Langley’s new buildings shall be viewed—they were near to the Paris Garden playhouse—and that Mr. Henslowe and Jacob Meade shall be moved for money for the poor on account of the playhouses.

cxvi.

[1598, July 19. Extract from Vestry records of St. Saviour’s, Southwark, printed in Variorum, iii. 452, and by W. Rendle, Bankside, v, in Harrison, ii, App. i.]

It is ordered at this vestrye that a petition shal be made to the bodye of the councell concerninge the play houses in this pareshe, wherein the enormeties shal be showed that comes therebye to the pareshe, and that in respect thereof they may be dismissed and put down from playing, and that iiij or ij of the churchwardens, Mr. Howse, Mr. Garlonde, Mr. John Payne, Mr. Humble, or ij of them, and Mr. Russell and Mr. Ironmonger, or one of them, shall prosecute the cause with a collector of the Boroughside and another of the Bankside.

cxvii.

[1600, Jan. 12. Warrant from Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham, Lord Admiral, printed by W. W. Greg, Henslowe Papers, 49, from Dulwich MS. i. 27; also by Collier, Alleyn Memoirs, 55.]

Weareas my Servant Edward Allen (in respect of the dangerous decaye of that Howse which he and his Companye haue nowe, on the Banck, and for that the same standeth verie noysome for resorte of people in the wynter tyme) Hath thearfore nowe of late taken a plott of grounde neere Redcrossestreete London (verie fitt and convenient) for the buildinge of a new Howse theare, and hath prouided Tymber and other necessaries for theffectinge theareof, to his greate chardge: Forasmuche as the place standeth verie convenient for the ease of People, and that her Maiestie (in respect of the acceptable Service, which my saide Servant and his Companie haue doen and presented before her Highenes to her greate likeinge and Contentment, aswell this last Christmas as att sondrie other tymes) ys gratiouslie moued towardes them, with a speciall regarde of fauor in their proceedinges: Theis shalbe thearefore to praie and requier youe, and everie of youe, To permitt and suffer my saide Servant to proceede in theffectinge and finishinge of the saide New howse, without anie your lett or molestation, towardes him or any of his woorkmen. And soe not doubtinge of your observacion in this behalf, I bidd youe right hartelie farewell. Att the Courte, at Richmond, the xijth of Januarye, 1599.

Notingham.

To all & euery her maiesties Justices & other Ministers, and Officers, within the Countye of Middlesex, & to euery of them, And to all others whome it shall Concerne:

cxviii.

[1600, March 9. Privy Council Minute, printed Dasent, xxx. 146.]

A letter to Sir Drew Drewry, knight, William Waad, esquier, Clerke of the Councell, Thomas Fowler, Edward Vaughan and Nicholas Collyns, esquires, Justices of the Peace in the countie of Middlesex. Wee are given to understand by our very good Lord the Lord Willoughby and other gentlemen and inhabitauntes in the parishe of St. Giles without Creplegate that there is a purpose and intent in some persons to erect a theatre in White Crosstreete, neere unto the Barres in that parte that ys in the countie of Middlesex, wherof ther are to manie allreadie not farr from that place, and as you knowe not longe sithence you receaved spetiall direction to pluck downe those and to see them defaced, therefore yf this newe erection should be suffered yt would not onlie be an offence and scandall to divers, but a thinge that would greatly dysplease her Majestie. These are therefore to will and require you in any case to take order that no soche theatre or plaiehowse be built there, or other howse to serve for soche use, both to avoide the many inconveniences that therby are lyklie to ensue to all the inhabitantes, and the offence that would be to her Majestie, havinge heretofore given sufficient notice unto you of the great myslyke her Highnes hath of those publicke and vayne buildinge[s] for soche occacions that breed increase of base and lewde people and divers other disorders. Therefore wee require you not to faile forthwith to take order that the foresaid intended buildinge maie be staied, and yf any be begone, to see the same quite defaced. So, &c.

cxix.

[1600, March 28. Extract from Vestry records of St. Saviour’s, Southwark, printed in Variorum, iii. 452, and by W. Rendle, Bankside, v, in Harrison, ii, App. i.]

It is ordered that the churchwardens shall talk with the players for tithes for their playhouses within the liberty of the Clinke, and for money for the poore, according to the order taken before my lords of Canterbury and London and the Master of the Revels.

cxx.

[1600, April 1. Abstract of entry in Roll of the General Sessions of the Peace for Middlesex, printed by J. C. Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, i. 260. The proclamation referred to must, I suppose, be the old one of 1559 (No. x). I do not know of any Star Chamber order about plays, but it is quite possible that one was made in 1597, and not recorded in the Council Registers, as the Star Chamber had its own Clerk, distinct from those of the Privy Council.]

Recognizance ... of John Wolf of Eastsmithfield, co. Midd. Stationer, in the sum of forty pounds; The condition of the recognizance being ‘that, whereas the abovebounden John Wolf hathe begun to erecte and builde a Playhowse in Nightingale Lane near East Smithefeilde aforesaid contrary to Her Majesties proclamacion and orders sett downe in Her Highenes Court of Starrchamber. If therefore the said John Wolf do not proceede anie further in buildinge or erectinge of the same playhowse, unless he shall procure sufficient warrant from the Rt. Honourable the Lords of Her Majesties most honourable Privye Councill for further ... then this recognizaunce to be void or els to remaine in full force.’

cxxi.

[c. 1600, April. Certificate of the Inhabitants of Finsbury to the Privy Council, printed by W. W. Greg, Henslowe Papers, 50, from Dulwich MS. i. 28; also by Collier, Alleyn Memoirs, 58.]

To the righte honorable the Lordes and others of her maiesties most honorable privie Councell:

In all humblenes, wee the Inhabitantes of the Lordshipp of Fynisburye, within the parrishe of St. Gyles without Creplegate, London, doe certifie vnto your honnours, That wheare the Servantes of the right honorable Earle of Nottingham haue latelie gone aboute to erect and sett vpp a newe Playehowse within the said Lordshipp, Wee could be contented, that the same might proceede and be Tollerated (Soe it stande with your honnours pleasuers) ffor the reasons and Causes followeinge.

First because the Place appoynted oute for that purpose Standeth very tollerable, neere vnto the ffeildes, and soe farr distant and remote frome any person or Place of accompt, as that none cann be Annoyed thearbie:

Secondlie because the Erectours of the saied howse are contented to give a very liberall porcion of money weekelie, towardes the releef of our Poore, The nomber & necessity whereof is soe greate that the same will redounde to the contynuall comfort of the saied Poore:

Thirdlie and lastlie wee are the rather Contented to accept this meanes of releif of our Poore, because our Parrishe is not able to releeue them, neither hath the Justices of the Sheire taken any order, for any Supplie oute of the Countrye, as is enioyned by the late Acte of Parliamente:

[Twenty-seven signatures follow.]

[Endorsed] The Certificate of the Inhabitantes of the Lordship of Fynisburye of theire Consent to the Tolleracion of the Erection of a newe Plaiehowse theare.

cxxii.

[1600, April 8. Privy Council to the Justices of Middlesex, printed by W. W. Greg, Henslowe Papers, 51, from Dulwich MS. i. 29; also by Collier, Alleyn Memoirs, 57.]

After our hartie comendacions. Whereas her Maiestie (haveinge been well pleased heeretofere at tymes of recreacion with the services of Edward Allen and his Companie, Servantes to me the Earle of Nottingham, wheareof, of late he hath made discontynuance) hath sondrye tymes signified her pleasuer, that he should revive the same agayne: Forasmuche as he hath bestowed a greate some of money, not onelie for the Title of a plott of grounde, scituat in a verie remote and exempt place neere Goulding lane, theare to erect a newe house, but alsoe is in good forwardnes aboute the frame and woorkmanshipp theareof; the convenience of which place for that purpose ys testified vnto vs vnder the handes of manie of the Inhabitantes of the Libertie of Fynisbury, wheare it is, and recomended by some of the Justices them selves. Wee thearfore havinge informed her Maiestie lykewise of the decaye of the house, wherein this Companye latelie plaied, scituate vppon the Bancke, verie noysome for the resorte of people in the wynter tyme, haue receaued order to requier youe to Tollerate the proceedinge of the saide New howse neere Goulding lane, and doe heerbye requier youe and everie of youe to permitt and suffer the said Edward Allen to proceede in theffectinge and finishinge of the same Newe howse, without anie your lett or interrupcion, towardes him, or anye of his woorkmen, the rather because an other howse is pulled downe, in steade of yt. And soe, not doubtinge of your conformitye heerin, wee comitt youe to God. Frome the Courte at Richmond the viijth of Aprill 1600.

Your lovinge frendes

Notingham

G Hunsdon

Ro: Cecyll

To the Justices of Peace of the Countye of Middlesex especially of St. Gyles without Creplegate, and to all others whome it shall Concerne.

cxxiii.

[1600, May 15. Privy Council Minute, printed Dasent, xxx. 327. Bromvill had performed at court on 12 May (cf. App. A).]

An open letter to the Justices of Peace in the countie of Surrey, and to all others her Majesty’s officers and lovinge subjectes in that county or burrough of Southwark to whome yt shall appertain, &c. Whereas the bearer Peter Bromvill hath bene recommended unto her Majestie from her good brother the French Kinge and hath shewed some feates of great activity before her Highnes, her Majestie ys pleased to afforde him her gratious favor and leave to exercyse and shewe the same in soch publicke place as maie be convenient for soche exercyses and shewes, and because for the present he hath made choice of a place called the Swann, in old Parys Garden, beinge the howse of Francis Langley, these shalbe to let you understand her Majesty’s good pleasure in his behalfe, and to require you not onlie to permytt him there to shewe his feates of activitye at convenient tymes in that place without let or interrupcion, but to assyst him (as there shalbe occacion) that no abuse be offered him.

Postscript of Mr. Secretary’s hand. It ys not meant that he shall exercyse upon any Sabothe day.

cxxiv.

[1600, June 22. Order of the Privy Council, printed M.S.C. i. 80, from Remembrancia, ii. 188; also by Dasent, xxx. 395, and Halliwell-Phillipps, i. 307, from minute in Council Register. The examiner’s note at the end is by one of the Clerks of the Council. The original draft of the order has been altered in the Register, and there is a marginal note by Thomas Smith that ‘the alteracion and interlyning of this order was by reason that the said order after the same was entred in the Booke came againe in question and debate, and the said interlyninge and amendementes were sett downe according to the laste determinacion of their Lordships’. Evidently the interlineations were important, and they are therefore marked below with square brackets, although of course they do not appear as such in the Remembrancia copy, which agrees substantially with the final draft in the Register. Dasent found the cancelled passages in the Register illegible.]

An order sett downe by the lordes and others of hir Maiesties pruiye Councell the 22 of Iune 1600 to restrain the excessiue number of Plaie howses & the imoderate vse of Stage plaies in & about the Cittye.

Whereas diuers Complaintes haue bin heretofore made vnto the Lordes and others of hir Maiesties privie Counsaile of the manifold abuses and disorders that haue growen and doe Continew by occasion of many howses erected & emploied in and aboute the Cittie of London for common Stage Plaies. And nowe verie latelie, by reason of some Complainte exhibited by sondrie persons against the buildinge of the like house in or nere Goldinge Lane by one Edward Allen, a seruant of the right honorable the Lo: Admirall, the matter, aswell in generalitie touchinge all the said houses for Stage Plaies and the vse of playenge, as in particuler concerninge the said house now in hand to be builte in or neere Goldinge Lane, hath bin brought into question & Consultacion amonge theire LL. Forasmuch as yt is manifestlie knowne and graunted that the multitude of the said houses and the misgouerment of them hath bin made and is dailie occasion of the idle riotous and dissolute livinge of great numbers of people, that leavinge all such honest and painefull Course of life, as they should followe, doe meete and assemble there, and of maine particuler abuses and disorders that doe there vppon ensue. And yet neuerthelesse yt is Considered that the vse and exercise of suche plaies, not beinge euill in yt self, may with a good order and moderacion be suffered in a well gouerned estate, and that, hir Maiestie beinge pleased at some times to take delighte and recreacion in the sight and hearinge of them, some order is fitt to bee taken for the allowance and mainteinance of suche persons, as are thoughte meetest in that kinde to yeald hir Maiestie recreacion and delight, & consequentlie of the howses that must serue for publique playenge to keepe them in exercise. To the end therefore, that bothe the greatest abuses of the plaies and plaienge houses maye be redressed, and the vse and moderacion of them retained, The Lordes and the rest of hir Maiesties privie Councell, withe one and full Consent, haue ordered in manner and forme as followeth.

First, that there shall bee about the Cittie two howses and noe more allowed to serue for the vse of the Common Stage plaies, of the which howses one shalbe in Surrey in that place which is Commonlie called the banckside or there aboutes, and the other in Midlesex. And foras muche as there Lordshippes haue bin enformed by Edmond Tylney Esquire, hir Maiesties seruant and Master of the Reuells, that the howse now in hand to be builte by the said Edward Allen is not intended to encrease the number of the Plaiehowses, but to be in steed of an other, namelie the Curtaine, Which is either to be ruined and plucked downe or to be putt to some other good vse, as also that the scituacion thereof is meete and Conuenient for that purpose. Yt is likewise ordered that the said howse of Allen shall be allowed to be one of the two howses, and namelie for the house to be alowed in Middlesex, [for the Companie of Plaiers belonging to the L: Admirall], soe as the house Called the Curtaine be (as yt is pretended) either ruinated or applied to some other good vse. And for the other allowed to be on Surrey side, whereas [there Lordshipps are pleased to permitt] to the Companie of players that shall plaie there to make there owne Choice which they will haue [of diuers houses that are there], Choosinge one of them and noe more, [And the said Companie of Plaiers, being the Seruantes of the L. Chamberlen, that are to plaie there haue made choise of the house called the Globe, yt is ordered that the said house and none other shall be there allowed]. And especiallie yt is forbidden that anie stage plaies shalbe plaied (as sometimes they haue bin) in any Common Inn for publique assemblie in or neare about the Cittie.

Secondlie, forasmuche as these stage plaies, by the multitude of houses and Companie of players, haue bin too frequent, not seruing for recreacion but inviting and Callinge the people daily from there trad and worke to mispend there time, It is likewise ordered that the two seuerall Companies of Plaiers assigned vnto the two howses allowed maie play each of them in there seuerall howse twice a weeke and noe oftener, and especially that they shall refraine to play on the Sabboth daie, vppon paine of imprisonment and further penaltie, and that they shall forbeare altogether in the time of Lent, and likewise at such time and times as anie extraordinarie sicknes or infeccion of disease shall appeare to be in and about the Cittie.

Thirdlie, because these orders wilbe of litle force and effecte vnlesse they be dulie putt in execucion by those to whome yt appertaineth to see them executed, It is ordered that seuerall Coppies shall be sent to the L. Mayor of London, and to the Iustices of the Peace of the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey, and that Lettres should be written vnto them from there Lordshipps, straightlye Charginge them to see the execucion of the same, as well by Committinge to prison the owners of Plaiehouses and players as shall disobey & resist these orders, as by anie other good and lawfull meanes that in there discretion they shall finde expedient, And to certifie there Lordshipps from time to time, as they shall se Cause, of there proceedinges therein.

Examinatum per Tho: Smithe.

cxxv.

[1600, June 22. Minute of Privy Council for letters conveying No. cxxiv, printed by Dasent, xxx. 411, and Halliwell-Phillipps, i. 308, from Council Register.]

Letter of this tenour to the Lord Maiour of London, the Justices of the Peace of the counties of Midlesex and Surrey. By occasion of some complaintes that of late have bin made unto us of the multitude of houses servinge for common stage-playes in and aboute the citty of London, and of the greate abuses and disorders growen by the overmuch haunte and resorte of many licentious people unto those houses and places, we have entred into consideracion of some fitt course to be taken for redresse of the saide disorders by suppressing dyvers of those houses and by some restrainte of the imoderate use of the plaies. For which cause wee have sett downe certaine orders to be duely henceforth observed and kept, a copy whereof we sende you hereinclosed, and have sent the like to the Lord Maiour of London and to the Justices of the Peace of Middlesex. But as wee have donne our partes in prescribinge the orders, so unlesse you perfourme yours in lookinge to the due execution of them wee shall loose our labour and the wante of redresse must be imputed unto you and others unto whome it apperteyneth, and therefore wee doe hereby authorize and require you to see the said orders to be putt in execucion and to be continued, as you do wish the amendement of the aforesaide abuses and will remove the blame thereof from your selves. And so, &c.

cxxvi.

[1601, March 11. Privy Council Minute, printed Dasent, xxxi. 218.]

A letter to the Lord Mayour requiring him not to faile to take order the playes within the cyttie and the liberties, especyally at Powles and in the Blackfriers, may be suppressed during this time of Lent.

cxxvii.

[1601, May 10. Privy Council Minute, printed Dasent, xxxi. 346.]

A letter to certaine Justices of the Peace in the county of Middlesex. Wee do understand that certaine players that use to recyte their playes at the Curtaine in Moorefeildes do represent upon the stage in their interludes the persons of some gentlemen of good desert and quallity that are yet alive under obscure manner, but yet in such sorte as all the hearers may take notice both of the matter and the persons that are meant thereby. This beinge a thinge very unfitte, offensive and contrary to such direccion as have bin heretofore taken that no plaies should be openly shewed but such as were first perused and allowed and that might minister no occasion of offence or scandall, wee do hereby require you that you do forthwith forbidd those players to whomsoever they appertaine that do play at the Courtaine in Moorefeildes to represent any such play, and that you will examine them who made that play and to shew the same unto you, and as you in your discreccions shall thincke the same unfitte to be publiquely shewed to forbidd them from henceforth to play the same eyther privately or publiquely, and yf upon veiwe of the said play you shall finde the subject so odious and inconvenient as is informed, wee require you to take bond of the cheifest of them to aunswere their rashe and indiscreete dealing before us. So, &c.

cxxviii.

[1601, Dec. 31. Minute of letter from Privy Council to Justices of Middlesex and Surrey, printed by Dasent, xxxii. 466, and Halliwell-Phillipps, i. 309, from Council Register.]

Two letters of one tenour to the Justices of Middlesex and Surrey. It is in vaine for us to take knowledg of great abuses and disorders complayned of and to give order for redresse, if our directions finde no better execution and observation then it seemeth they do, and wee must needes impute the fault and blame thereof to you or some of you, the Justices of the Peace, that are put in trust to see them executed and perfourmed, whereof wee may give you a plaine instance in the great abuse contynued or rather encreased in the multitude of plaie howses and stage plaies in and about the cittie of London.

For whereas about a yeare and a half since (upon knowledge taken of the great enormities and disorders by the overmuch frequentinge of plaies) wee did carefullie sett downe and prescribe an order to be observed concerninge the number of playhowses and the use and exercise of stage plaies, with lymytacion of tymes and places for the same (namely that there should be but two howses allowed for that use, one in Middlesex called the Fortune and the other in Surrey called the Globe, and the same with observacion of certaine daies and times as in the said order is particularly expressed), in such sorte as a moderate practice of them for honest recreation might be contynued, and yet the inordinate concourse of dissolute and idle people be restrayned, wee do now understande that our said order hath bin so farr from takinge dew effect, as in steede of restrainte and redresse of the former disorders the multitude of play howses is much encreased, and that no daie passeth over without many stage plaies in one place or other within and about the cittie publiquelie made.

The default of perfourmance of which our said order we must in greate parte the rather impute to the Justices of the Peace, because at the same tyme wee gave earnest direction unto you to see it streightly executed, and to certifie us of the execution, and yet we have neither understoode of any redresse made by you, nor receaved any certificate at all of your proceedinges therein, which default or omission wee do now pray and require you foorthwith to amende, and to cause our said former order to be putt duely in execution, and especiallie to call before you the owners of all the other play howses (excepting the two howses in Middlesex and Surrey aforementioned), and to take good and sufficient bondes of them not to exercise, use or practise, nor to suffer from henceforth to be exercised, used or practized any stage playinge in their howses, and if they shall refuse to enter into such bondes, then to comitt them to prison untill they shall conforme themselves. And so, &c.

cxxix.

[1601, Dec. 31. Minute of letter from Privy Council to Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, printed by Dasent, xxxii. 468, and Halliwell-Phillipps, i. 308, from Council Register; also in M. S. C. i. 83, from letter-book copy in Remembrancia, ii. 187.]

A letter to the Lord Maiour and Aldermen of London. Wee have receaved a letter from you renewing a complaint of the great abuse and disorder within and about the cittie of London by reason of the multitude of play howses and the inordinate resort and concourse of dissolute and idle people daielie unto publique stage plaies, for the which information, as wee do commende your Lordship because it betokeneth your care and desire to reforme the disorders of the cittie, so wee must lett you know that wee did muche rather expect to understand that our order (sett downe and prescribed about a yeare and a half since for reformation of the said disorders upon the like complaint at that tyme) had bin duelie executed, then to finde the same disorders and abuses so muche encreased as they are. The blame whereof, as wee cannot but impute in great part to the Justices of the Peace or somme of them in the counties of Middlesex and Surrey, who had speciall direction and charge from us to see our said order executed for the confines of the cittie, wherein the most part of those play howses are scituate, so wee do wishe that it might appeare unto us that any thinge hath bin endeavoured by the predecessours of you, the Lord Maiour, and by you, the Aldermen, for the redresse of the said enormities, and for observation and execution of our said order within the cittie.

Wee do therefore once againe renew heereby our direction unto you (as wee have donne by our letters to the Justices of Middlesex and Surrey) concerninge the observation of our former order, which wee do praie and require you to cause duelie and dilligentlie to be put in execution for all poyntes thereof, and especiallie for th’expresse and streight prohibition of any more play howses then those two that are mentioned and allowed in the said order, charging and streightlie comaunding all suche persons, as are the owners of any the howses used for stage plaies within the cittie, not to permitt any more publique plaies to be used, exercised or shewed from hencefoorth in their said howses, and to take bondes of them (if you shall finde it needefull) for the perfourmaunce thereof, or if they shall refuse to enter into bonde or to observe our said order, then to committ them to prison untill they shall conforme themselves thereunto. And so praying you, as your self do make the complaint and finde the ennormitie, so to applie your best endeavour to the remedie of the abuse, wee bidd, &c.

cxxx.

[1602, March 31. The Privy Council to the Lord Mayor, printed M.S.C. i. 85, from Remembrancia, ii. 189.]

A lettre to the L. Maior for the Bores head to be licensed for the plaiers.

After our verey hartie Commendacions to your Lp. We receaued your lettre, signifieinge some amendment of the abuses or disorders by the immoderate exercise of Stage plays in and about the Cittie, by meanes of our late order renued for the restraint of them, and with all shewinge a speciall inconvenience yet remayneinge, by reason that the seruants of our verey good L. the Earle of Oxford, and of me the Earle of Worcester, beinge ioyned by agrement togeather in on Companie (to whom, vpon noteice of her Maiesties pleasure at the suit of the Earle of Oxford, tolleracion hath ben thaught meete to be graunted, notwithstandinge the restraint of our said former Orders), doe not tye them selfs to one certaine place and howse, but do chainge there place at there owne disposition, which is as disorderly and offensiue as the former offence of many howses. And as the other Companies that are alowed, namely of me the L. Admirall and the L. Chamberlaine, be appointed there certaine howses, and one and noe more to each Companie. Soe we doe straightly require that this third Companie be likewise to one place. And because we are informed the house called the Bores head is the place they haue especially vsed and doe best like of, we doe pray and require yow that that said howse, namely the Bores head, may be assigned onto them, and that they be verey straightlie Charged to vse and exercise there plaies in noe other but that howse, as they will looke to haue that tolleracion continued and avoid farther displeasure. And soe we bid your Lp. hartely farewell, from the Court at Ritchmond the last of March, 1602.

Your lordshippes verey lovinge friendes,

T Buckurst

E Worcester.

Ihon Stannop:

Io: fortescu.

Notingham

W: Knowlis

Ro: Cecyll.

I: Herbert.

cxxxi.

[1603, March 19. Abstract of Privy Council Minute, printed Dasent, xxxii. 492, from Addl. MS. 11402.]

Letters to the Lord Mayor and Justices of Middlesex and Surrey for the restraint of stage-plaies till other direction be given.

cxxxii.

[1603, May 7. Extract from Procl. 944, printed, with ‘in their lewd’ for ‘Enterludes’, in Strype, Annals, iv. 528.]

And for that we are informed that there hath beene heretofore great neglect in this kingdome of keeping the Sabbath-day: For better observing of the same, and avoyding all impious prophanation, we do straightly charge and commaund, that no Beare-bayting, Bulbayting, Enterludes, Common Playes, or other like disordered or unlawful Exercises, or Pastimes, be frequented, kept, or used at any time hereafter upon the Sabbath-day.

cxxxiii.

[1603, May 19. Patent for King’s men; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays at the Globe and in convenient places in towns elsewhere.

cxxxiv.

[1604, Feb. 4. Patent for Children of the Queen’s Revels; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays approved by Samuel Daniel in the Blackfriars or other convenient place.

cxxxv.

[1604, April 9. Privy Council to Lord Mayor of London and Justices of Middlesex and Surrey, printed by W. W. Greg, Henslowe Papers, 61, from contemporary copy in Dulwich MS. i. 39; also in Collier, Alleyn Memoirs, 66; Halliwell-Phillipps, Illustrations, 115, Outlines, i. 310. The abstract of the lost Council Register in Addl. MS. 11402 has the note (f. 93^v) ‘9 Ap. 1604 A lettre to the lo: Mayor & the Iustices of Surrey & Middlesex to suffer the players to playe againe Lent being past &c’ (Dasent, xxxii. 511; M. S. C. i. 371).]

After our hart[ie commendations] to your [Lo.] Wheras the kings maiesties Plaiers have given ty[[** spaces]] hyghnes good service in ther Quallitie of Playinge, and for as much Lickwise as they are at all times to be emploied in that Service, whensoever they shalbe Comaunded, we thinke it therfore fitt, the time of Lent being now Passt, that your L. doe Permitt and suffer the three Companies of Plaiers to the King, Queene, and Prince publicklie to Exercise ther Plaies in ther severall and vsuall howses for that Purpose, and noe other, viz. The Globe scituate in Maiden lane on the Banckside in the Countie of Surrey, the Fortun in Golding Lane, and the Curtaine in Hollywell in the Cowntie of Midlesex, without any lett or interupption in respect of any former Lettres of Prohibition heertofore written by vs to your Lo. Except there shall happen weeklie to die of the Plague Aboue the Number of thirtie within the Cittie of London and the Liberties therof. Att which time we thinke it fitt they shall Cease and forbeare any further Publicklie to Playe, vntill the Sicknes be again decreaced to the saide Number. And so we bid your Lo. hartilie farewell. From the Court at Whitehalle the ixth of Aprille, 1604.

Your very Loving ffrends

Nottingham

Suffock

Gill Shrowsberie

Ed Worster

W: Knowles

J: Stanhopp

To our verie good L. the Lord Maior of the Cittie of London and to the Justices of the Peace of the Counties of Midlesex and Surrey. L. Maiore.

cxxxvi.

[1604, July 7. Extracts from An Acte for the Continuance and Explanation of the Statute made in the 39 yeere of the Raigne of our late Queene Elizabeth, intituled An Acte for Punishmente of Rogues, Vagabondes and Sturdie Beggers (1 Jac. I, c. 7), printed in Statutes, iv. 1024. The Act was amended in detail by 7 Jac. I, c. 4, in 1610 (St. iv. 1159).]

[§ 1.] Whereas by [39 Eliz. c. 4] ... it was enacted, That all persons callinge themselves Scholers goinge aboute begginge, all Seafaringe men pretending losse of their Shippes or Goods on the Sea, goinge aboute the Countrie begginge, all idle persons goinge aboute in any Countrie, either begginge, or usinge any subtile Crafte or unlawfull Games or Playes, or fayninge themselves to have knowledge in Phisiognomie Palmestry or other like craftye Science, or pretendinge that they can tell Destinies Fortunes or such other like fantasticall Imaginations; all persons that be, or utter themselves to be Proctors Procurers Patent Gatherers or Collectors for Gaoles Prisons or Hospitals; all Fencers Bearwardes common Players of Enterludes, and Minstrels wandringe abroad, (other then Players of Enterludes belonginge to any Baron of this Realme, or any other honourable Personage of greater Degree, to be authorized to play under the Hande and Seale of Armes of such Baron or Personage) shalbe taken adjudged and deemed as Rogues Vagabondes and Sturdie Beggers, and shall suffer such Paine and Punishment as in the said Acte is in that behalfe appointed, as by the same Acte more at large is declared; Sithence the making of which Acte divers Doubtes and Questions have bene moved and growen by diversitie of Opinions taken in and upon the letter of the said Acte: For a plaine Declaration whereof be it declared and enacted, That from henceforthe no Authoritie to be given or made by any Baron of this Realme or any other honourable Personage of greater Degree, unto any other person or persons, shall be availeable to free and discharge the saide persons, or any of them, from the Paines and Punishmentes in the saide Statute mentioned, but that they shall be taken within the Offence and Punishment of the same Statute.

[§ 3.] Amends 39 Eliz. c. 4, § 4, which provided for banishment of dangerous rogues, by providing for branding and setting to labour in place of settlement; a second offence to be felony, without benefit of clergy.

[§ 6.] Continues 39 Eliz. c. 4 as amended.

[§ 8.] Reserves privileges of John Dutton.

cxxxvii.

[1604, Oct. 13. Letter of Assistance from the Duke of Lennox for his players, printed by W. W. Greg from Dulwich MS. i. 40, in Henslowe Papers, 62; also in Collier, Alleyn Memoirs, 69.]

Sir I am given to vnderstand that youe haue forbidden the Companye of Players (that call themselues myne) the exercise of their Playes; I praie youe to forbeare any such course against them, and seeing they haue my License, to suffer them to continue the vse of their Playes; and vntill you receaue other significacion from me of them, to afforde them your favoure and assistance. And so I bidd youe hartely farewell. From Hampton Courte the xiijth of October, 1604.

Your loving freende

Lenox.

To all maiors, Justeses of peas, Shreefes, Balifes, Constabells and all other his highnes officers and lofing subiects to whome it shall or may in any wise appertaine.

[Addressed] To my loving freend Mr. Dale esqr. and all other Justeses whatsoeuer.

cxxxviii.

[N.D. c. 1604. Draft royal licence for Queen Anne’s men; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays, when the plague-list in London and the liberties thereof falls to thirty, in the Curtain and Boar’s Head, and in convenient places in towns elsewhere.

cxxxix.

[1605, Oct. 5. Abstract of Privy Council Minute, printed M. S. C. i. 371, from Addl. MS. 11402, f. 107.]

A lettre to the Lord Mayor to forbidde Stage plaies & to take order that the infectede bee kept in their howses, &c.

Like lettres to the Iustices of the peace of Middlesex & Surrey.

cxl.

[1605, Dec. 15. Abstract of Privy Council Minute, printed M. S. C. i. 372, from Addl. MS. 11402, f. 109.]

Lettres to the Lord Mayor, the Iustices of Middlesex and Surrey to suffer the Kings the Queens and the Princes Players, to play & recite their enterludes at their accustomed places.

cxli.

[1606, March 7. Signet warrant from Queen Anne for her players; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays in London and other towns, except during divine service, and requires assistance of justices.

cxlii.

[1606, April 30. Patent for Prince Henry’s men; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays at the Fortune and in convenient places in towns elsewhere, with a proviso saving the authority, power, privileges, and profits of the Master of the Revels.

cxliii.

[1606, May 27. An Acte to Restraine Abuses of Players (3 Jac. I, c. 21), printed in Statutes, iv. 1097; also in Hazlitt, E. D. S. 42.]

For the preventing and avoyding of the greate Abuse of the Holy Name of God in Stagelayes, Interludes, May-games, Shewes, and such like; Be it enacted by our Soveraigne Lorde the Kinges Majesty, and by the Lordes Spirituall and Temporall, and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authoritie of the same, That if at any tyme or tymes, after the end of this present Session of Parliament, any person or persons doe or shall in any Stage play, Interlude, Shewe, May-game, or Pageant jestingly or prophanely speake or use the holy Name of God or of Christ Jesus, or of the Holy Ghoste or of the Trinitie, which are not to be spoken but with feare and reverence, [? such person or persons] shall forfeite for everie such Offence by hym or them committed Tenne Pounds, the one moytie thereof to the Kinges Majestie, his Heires and Successors, the other moytie thereof to hym or them that will sue for the same in any Courte of Recorde at Westminster, wherein no essoigne, Proteccion or Wager of Lawe shalbe allowed.

cxliv.

[1607, April 12. The Lord Mayor to the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain, printed M. S. C. i. 87, from Remembrancia, ii. 283.]

Concerninge the Infection of the Plague.

My humble dutie remembred to your good Lp: Whereas it pleaseth god that the Infeccion of sicknes is for theis two or three weekes of late somewhat increased in the Skirtes and Confines of this Cittie, and by the vntymely heate of this season may spreade further then can hereafter be easelie prevented, My humble desier is that your Lp: for the preventinge of soe great a danger will vouchsafe your honourable favour in two speciall pointes concerninge this Matter. First in restrayninge such comon Stage Plaies, as are Daylie shewed and exercised and doe occasion the great Assembleis of all sortes of people in the suburbes and partes adioyninge to this Cittie, and cannot be continiewed but with apparant daunger of the encrease of the sicknes. Secoundly, Whereas it appeareth by the Certificate that the said Skirtes and out Partes of the Cittie are more subiecte to the Infection then any other Places. That your Honours will please to give order to the Iustices of Middlesex to put in due execution such ordenances as are formerly by your Lordshippes recomended vnto them in this behalfe, especially that there may be a better care hade of White Chappell, Shorditch, Clarken-Well and such other remote Partes then formerly hath ben accustomed. And that there may some speciall Officers be appointed to see good order kept and obserued in those Places, where there is noe Justice of Peace resident or nere there biwaies to looke to the same. Which beinge accordingly performed in the out Skirtes of this Cittie, My desier is that your Lp: will rest satisfied and assuered of oure carefullnes here within the Cittie and Lyberties thereof to the vtmost of our Indeauour, as is fittinge a matter of such Consequence. And soe most humblie I take my leaue And rest

Aprill 12, 1607.

Your Lps: most humble.

To the right honourable my very good Lo: the Earle of Suffolke Lo: Chamberlaine of his Maiesties House.

cxlv.

[1608, Dec. 20. Entry in Gaol Delivery Register of Justices for Middlesex, printed by J. C. Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, ii. 47.]

Recognizances, taken before Sir William Waad knt. J.P., Lieutenant of the Tower of London, of Daniel Hitch of Whitechappell yeoman and James Waters of Eastsmythfeilde ironmounger, in the sum of ten pounds each, and of William Claiton of Eastsmythfeilde victualler, in the sum of twenty pounds; For the appearance of the said William Claiton at the next Session of the Peace, to answer for sufferinge playes to bee played in his house in the night season.

cxlvi.

[1609, April 15. Patent for Queen Anne’s men; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays at the Red Bull and Curtain and in convenient places in towns elsewhere, with a proviso saving the authority, power, privileges and profits of the Master of the Revels.

cxlvii.

[1610, Jan. 4. Patent for the Children of the Queen’s Revels; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays in the Whitefriars or other convenient place.

cxlviii.

[1610, March 30. Patent for the Duke of York’s men; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays in houses and about London and in convenient places in towns elsewhere, with proviso saving the authority, power, privilege and profit of the Master of the Revels.

cxlix.

[1611, April 27. Patent for the Lady Elizabeth’s men; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority to perform plays in houses in and about London and in convenient places in towns elsewhere, with proviso saving the authority, power, privilege and profit of the Master of the Revels.

cl.

[1612, Oct. 1. Order at General Session of the Peace for Middlesex held at Westminster, printed from Sessions Rolls in J. C. Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, ii. 83.]

An Order for suppressinge of Jigges att the ende of Playes—Whereas Complaynte have [sic] beene made at this last Generall Sessions, that by reason of certayne lewde Jigges songes and daunces vsed and accustomed at the playhouse called the Fortune in Gouldinglane, divers cutt-purses and other lewde and ill disposed persons in greate multitudes doe resorte thither at th’end of euerye playe, many tymes causinge tumultes and outrages wherebye His Majesties peace is often broke and much mischiefe like to ensue thereby, Itt was hereuppon expresselye commaunded and ordered by the Justices of the said benche, That all Actors of euerye playhouse within this cittye and liberties thereof and in the Countye of Middlesex that they and euerie of them utterlye abolishe all Jigges Rymes and Daunces after their playes, And not to tollerate permitt or suffer anye of them to be used vpon payne of ymprisonment and puttinge downe and suppressinge of theire playes, And such further punishment to be inflicted upon them as their offences shall deserve, And that if any outrage tumult or like disorder as aforesaid should be committed or done, that then the partyes so offending should forthwith be apprehended and punished accordinge to their demeritt. For the better suppressinge of which abuses and outrages, These are to will and require you and in His Majesties name streightelye to charge and commaunde you that you diligently and stryctlye looke vnto the performaunce of the same order, And that if either the players do persiste and contynewe their sayd Jigges daunces or songes as aforesayd or any disordered persons doe committ or attempt any violence or outrage in or about the sayd playe-houses, That then you apprehend all and euerie such person of either kind so offendinge and forthwith bringe them before me or some other of his Majesties Justices of Peace to answeare their contemptes and further to be dealt [with] as to Justice shall appertayne.—By the Court. S. P. Reg.

cli.

[1612, Nov. 8. The Privy Council to the Lord Mayor, printed M. S. C. i. 88, from Remembrancia, iii. 64.]

From the Lordes, for the suppressinge of Stage plaies, Bearebaytinges and idle shewes, vpon the death of Prince Henry.

After our very hartie Commendacions to your Lordshipp. Whereas it hath pleased the Almightie God to take awaie the most Noble and Worthie Prince of Wales, to the exceedinge greate sorrowe and Greef, aswell of theire Maiesties, as of all theire deere and lovinge Subiectes. And that these tymes doe not suite with such playes and idle shewes, as are daily to be seene in and neere the cittie of London, to the scandall of Order and good governement at all occasions when they are most tollerable. As wee haue allreadie addressed lettres to the Iustices of peace of Middlesex and Surrey for the suppressinge of any playes or shewes whatsoever within those Counties, soe wee doe hereby require your Lpp. to take speedie and speciall order for the prohibitinge of all Playes, shewes, Bearebaytinges, or any other such sighte, within that cittie and liberties thereof, and vtterlie to restraine the vse and exercise thereof, vntill you shall receave further order from vs. And if you shall finde anie person offendinge therein, to commytt him or them to Prison without favour or connyvauncie, and to acquainte vs therewith. And soe wee bidd your Lordshipp Hartelie farewell. From Whitehall the viijth of November, 1612.

Your Lps. verie loving Frindes,

T. Ellesmore Cancellarius.

E. Wotton:

H: Northampton:

Stanhop.

T. Suffolk:

clii.

[1613, Jan. 11. Patent for the Elector Palatine’s men; cf. Bk. iii, and text in M. S. C. i. 275.]

Gives authority to perform plays at the Fortune and in convenient places in towns elsewhere, with proviso saving the authority, power, privileges and profits of the Master of the Revels.

cliii.

[1613, July 13. Extract by Sir Henry Herbert from an office-book of Sir George Buck, printed in Variorum, iii. 52, and Adams, Herbert 42.]

For a license to erect a new playhouse in the White-friers, &c. £20.

cliv.

[1615, March 29. Minute of Privy Council, printed from Register in M. S. C. i. 372; also in Collier, i. 380.]

A warrant to John Sentie one of the Messingers. Whereas John Hemminges, Richard Burbidge, Christopher Beeston, Robert Lee, William Rowley, John Newton, Thomas Downton, Humphry Ieffs with others Stageplayers in and about the Citty of London have presumed notwithstanding the commaundement of the Lord Chamberlayne signified vnto them by the Master of the Revells to play this prohibited time of Lent. Theese are therefore to will and commaund yowe to make your repayre vnto the persons abouenamed, and to charge them in his Maiesties name to make their appearance heere before vs of his Maiesties Privie Councell on ffriday next at 8 of the Clocke in the forenoone without any excuse or delay. And in the meane time that neither they, nor the rest of their Company presume to present any Playes or interludes, as they will answere the contrary at their perills.

clv.

[1615, June 3. Patent for erection of Porter’s Hall; cf. text in Bk. iv.]

Gives authority to the patentees of the Queen’s Revels to build a playhouse for the Queen’s Revels, at Porter’s Hall in Blackfriars, and for the performance of plays by the Queen’s Revels, Prince Charles’s men, and the Lady Elizabeth’s men therein.

clvi.

[1615, July 13. Patent for the Children of the Queen’s Chamber of Bristol; cf. text in Bk. iii.]

Gives authority for the performance of plays in houses in Bristol and in convenient places in towns elsewhere, with proviso saving the authority, power, privilege and profit of the Master of the Revels.

clvii.

[1615, Sept. 26. Minute of Privy Council, printed from Register in M. S. C. i. 372; also in Chalmers, 463; Variorum, iii. 493.]

Ordered at the Sessions next before.

Whereas Complaint was made to this Boarde by the Lord Mayour and Aldermen of the Cittie of London That one Rosseter, and others havinge obtayned lycense vnder the great Seale of Englande for the buildinge of a Play house haue pulled downe a great Messuage in Puddle wharfe, which was sometimes the house of the Ladie Sanders within the Precinct of the Blackfryers, are now erectinge a Newe Playhouse in that place, to the great prejudice and inconvenience of the Gouerment of that Cittie: Their Lordships thought fitt to send for Rosseter to bringe in his Lettres Patentes, which beinge seene, and pervsed by the Lord Chief Iustice of Englande fforasmuch as the Inconveniences vrged by the Lord Mayour and Aldermen were many, and of some consequence to their Goverment. And specially for that the said Play house would adioyne soe neere vnto the Church in Blackfryers, as it would disturbe, and interrupt the Congregacion at divine Service vpon the weeke dayes: And that the Lord Chiefe Iustice did deliver to their Lordships, That the Lycence graunted to the said Rosseter did extende to the buildinge of a Playhouse without the liberties of London, and not within the Cittie. It was this day ordered by their Lordships, That there shalbe noe Play house erected in that place, And that the Lord Mayour of London shall straitly prohibit, and forbidd the said Rosseter and the rest of the Patentees, and their workemen to proceede in the makeinge, and convertinge the said Buildinge into a Play house: And if any of the Patentees or their workemen shall proceede in their intended buildinge contrary to this their Lordships Inhibicion, that then the Lord Mayour shall committ him or them soe offendinge, vnto Prison and certefie their Lordships of their contempt in that behalfe. Of which their Lordships order the said Rosseter, and the rest are to take notice, and conforme themselves accordingly as they will aunsweare to the contrary at their perrilles.

clviii.

[1616, July 16. Warrant by William Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain, printed by Murray, ii. 343, from copy recorded in Mayor’s Court Books of Norwich.]

Whereas Thomas Swynnerton and Martin Slaughter beinge two of the Queens Maiesties company of Playors hauinge separated themselves from their said Company, have each of them taken forth a severall exemplification or duplicate of his maiesties Letters patente graunted to the whole Company and by vertue therof they severally in two Companies with vagabonds and such like idle persons, haue and doe vse and exercise the quallitie of playinge in diuerse places of this Realme to the great abuse and wronge of his Maiesties Subjects in generall and contrary to the true intent and meaninge of his Maiestie to the said Company And whereas William Perrie haueinge likewise gotten a warrant whereby he and a certaine Company of idle persons with him doe travel and play under the name and title of the Children of his Maiesties Revels, to the great abuse of his Maiesties service And whereas also Gilberte Reason one of the prince his highnes Playours hauing likewise separated himselfe from his Company hath also taken forth another exemplification or duplicate of the patent granted to that Company and liues in the same kinde & abuse And likewise one Charles Marshall, Homfry Jeffes and William Parr: three of Prince Palatynes Company of Playours haveinge also taken forthe an exemplification or duplicate of the patent graunted to the said Company and by vertue thereof liue after the like kinde and abuse Wherefore to the [end that] such idle persons may not be suffered to continewe in this course of life These are therefore to pray, and neatheless in his Maiesties name to will and require you vpon notice giuen of aine of the said persons by the bearer herof Joseph More whome I haue speciallye directed for that purpose that you call the said parties offendours before you and therevpon take the said seuerall exemplifications or duplicats or other ther warrants by which they vse ther said quallitie from them, And forthwith to send the same to me And also that you take goode and sufficient bonds of any of them to appeare before me at Whitehall at a fixt daye to answeare ther said contempte and abuses whereof I desire you not to fayle And these shalbe your sufficient warrant in that behalfe Dated at the Courte at Theobalds this 16th day of July in the fowertenth yeare of the raigne of our soueraigne Lord the Kings Maiestie of England ffrance and Irelande and of Scotland the nine and fortieth 1616.

Pembrook.

To all Justices of peace Maiours Sheriffs Baliffs Constables and other his Maiesties officers to whome it may appertayne.

clix.

[1616, Oct. 4. Abstract of entries in Process Book for General Sessions of the Peace for Middlesex, printed by J. C. Jeaffreson, Middlesex County Records, ii. 235.]

Amongst memoranda of process against a large number of persons, charged with neglecting to work or contribute for the repair of the highways, appears this memorandum, touching the Red Bull theatre, ‘Christofer Beeston and the rest of the players of the Redd Bull are behinde five pounds, being taxed by the bench 40s. the yeare by theire owne consentes’.

clx.

[1617, Jan. 27. Minute of Privy Council, printed from Register in M. S. C. i. 374; also in Chalmers, 463; Variorum, iii. 494.]

A letter to the Lord Mayor of London. Whereas his Maiestie is informed that notwithstanding diverse Commaundementes and prohibicions to the contrary there bee certaine persons that goe about to sett vp a Play howse in the Black ffryaers neere vnto his Maiesties Wardrobe, and for that purpose have lately erected and made fitt a Building, which is allmost if not fully finished, Youe shall vnderstand that his Maiesty hath this day expressly signifyed his pleasure, that the same shalbee pulled downe, so as it bee made vnfitt for any such vse, whereof wee Require your Lordshipp to take notice, and to cause it to bee performed accordingly with all speede, and therevpon to certify vs of your proceedinges. And so, &c.