The court judges in William Trevell's lawsuit against Thomas Woodford. As Berry explains, Trevell was indebted to Woodford over bonds he had entered into in August 1607 toward a share in the playhouse. Woodford got money from Trevell in 1611 and 1621, and then tried again in 1640, whereupon Trevell sued Woodford in the Court of Requests. Trevell died soon after the case was brought to court, but his widow successfully continued the suit. The court decided in Trevell's favour on 11 June 1642. The court's decree provides an account of the events surrounding Trevell and Woodford's original agreement. Trevell was bound to Woodford for the sums of £40 and £20 over a sixth part of the lease on the Whitefriars. He was persuaded to invest in the playhouse by Sir Anthony Ashley, a Mr Smith, and Woodford himself; these three also convinced Trevell to bind himself for various other sums 'only to make a stock for supply of the playhouse.' Ashley then conspired with Woodford to have the players turned out and the lease declared forfeit, on the pretense of non-payment of rent, by which means Trevell lost the benefit of his investment.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Woodford, Thomas | defendant | |
| Trevell, Susan | plaintiff | |
| Trevell, William | plaintiff (deceased) | |
| Ashley, Sir Anthony | playhouse entrepreneur | |
| Smith, ––– | playhouse entrepreneur |