In a letter to Viscount Mandeville, the Lord Chamberlain details the King's wishes for the Privy Council regarding the controversy surrounding Thomas Middleton's 'A Game at Chess.' Where the Council had forbid the King's Men from further performances of not only 'that play, but of any other' and their obedience ensured through '300li bondes,' the King does not wish to 'stoppe the Current of their poore livelyhood and maintenaunce.' To this end, the King desires that they be able to play 'any Common play lycenced by authority.' The bonds will remain in place to ensure that 'A Game at Chess' remain 'antiquated and sylenced,' and the Council is to pursue further inquiry into whether 'Poet, Players, or both' shall be held responsible for the offense.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Herbert, William | Lord Chamberlain | |
| Montagu, Henry | president of the council |