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.