James and Cuthbert Burbage sue Margaret Brayne in Chancery court over her efforts to secure a portion of the Theatre playhouse profits. Henry Bett's testimony, 30 September 1591, provides details of Robert Miles' and John Brayne's dealings with Noble, the carpenter, and William White, husband to the executrix of Noble's estate. Parts of the testimony also outline the terms of the lease on the Theatre property, and the extent to which Brayne relied on Burbage and Miles for financial support, as manifest in documents produced during the interrogation. Bett says that Brayne's entire contribution to the building of the Theatre was £239 6s 6 and that he received 'more monye by a grete some then he laid out in the Theatre.' Bett also claims that Miles was accused by Margaret Brayne of causing John Brayne's death before they joined forces. Bett ends by saying Margaret Brayne received money from the Curtain theatre.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Noble, ––– | carpenter | |
| Miles, Robert | defendant | |
| Brayne, Margaret | defendant | playhouse sharer, widow |
| Bett, Henry | deponent | |
| Peckham, Edmond | disputant | |
| White, William | executor | |
| Gardiner, ––– | legatee | |
| Tomson, William | legatee | |
| Ashebournham, ––– | legatee | |
| Burbage, James | plaintiff | playhouse owner |
| Burbage, Cuthbert | playhouse sharer | |
| Brayne, John | playhouse sharer | |
| Allen, Giles | property holder |