William Fleetwood, recorder of London, writes to the lord treasurer, describing a number of recents events regarding the Theatre and the Curtain playhouses. On the advice of one of the Queen's players, Fleetwood ordered the owner of the Theatre (James Burbage) to be arrested, but Burbage refused because he was 'my Lo of hunsdons man.' He did agree to bind himself to appear at the sessions of oyer and terminer,' where he said that he was sure the court 'would not bind him.' Fleetwood notes that Burbage is due to appear before the sessions tomorrow, and is convinced that Burbage will be bound, or worse. Fleetwood writes that 'very nere the Theatre or Curten at the tyme of the Playes' a gentleman, Challes, disturbed an apprentice sleeping the field and they soon fell to blows. The altercation escalated so that many apprentices threatened to riot the next day, and many were arrested. Fleetwood also describes another altercation at the Theatre door between a serving man named Browne and 'certain poor boys, handicraft apprentices.' A crowd of 1,050 gathered to witness the quarrel. Browne, the aggressor, attempted to escape but was 'taken after.'
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Howard, Charles | Lord Chamberlain | |
| Fleetwood, William | Recorder of London | |
| Cecil, William | correspondent | |
| Challes, ––– | gentleman | |
| Young, John | justice of the peace | |
| Carey, Henry | master | |
| Howard, Philip | patron | |
| Burbage, James | playhouse owner | |
| Browne, ––– | servant | |
| Hatton, Christopher | vice-chamberlain |