In John Newton's suit against Joan Waters for enforcement of a marriage contract, William Duke deposes in favour of Waters. Duke identifies Newton as a player of the company that plays regularly at the Curtain and the Boar's Head. Duke reports that George Ireland told Waters that Newton would bring her twenty shillings weekly in maintenance, and would make a jointure of an inn in Burntwood. Duke notes that these promises were meant to persuade Waters. Duke urged Waters to consider carefully before making any promises herself, which offended Ireland. Duke notes that Ireland was a great friend of Newton's, and that Ireland tried to keep any of Waters' friends away from her when the contract was under negotiation.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Waters, Joan | defendant | |
| Duke, William | deponent | |
| Ireland, George | gentleman | |
| Newton, John | plaintiff | player |