October 1647: An Ordinance for the Lord Major and City of London, and the Justices of Peace to suppress Stage-playes and Interludes.

October, 1647

[22 October, 1647.]

Common Players shall be committed to the Gaol.

For the better suppression of Stage-Playes, Interludes, and common Players; It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, That the Lord Major, Justices of the Peace, and Sheriffs of the City of London and Westminster; the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey, or any two or more of them, shall and may, and are hereby authorized and required to enter into all houses, and other places within the City of London, and Liberties thereof, and other places within their respective Jurisdictions, where Stage-Playes, Interludes, or other common Playes are, or shall be acted or played, and all such common Players or Actors, as they upon view of them or any one of them, or upon Oaths by two credible witnesses (which they are hereby authorized to minister) shall be proved before them, or any two of them, to have acted or played in such Play-houses or places abovesaid; and all person and persons so offending, to commit to any common Gaol or Prison, there to remain untill the next general Sessions of the Peace, holden within the said City of London, or Liberties thereof, and places aforesaid, or sufficient security entred for his or their appearance at the said Sessions there to be punished as Rogues, according to Law.