Gaming

Gaming.

I. 131. Letter from Sir James Croft to the Lord Mayor, requesting permission for his servant to proceed with the building of a close alley for the recreation of honest citizens to bowl in, in foul weather, which he had begun, and which had been stopped by the Lord Mayor.
6th September, 1580.

I. 132. Letter from the Lord Mayor to Sir James Croft, Comptroller of the Queen's Household, in reply, informing him that he had stayed the building of the alley referred to, because the said servant had already one there, and there was another adjoining it, which would make three alleys within half an acre of ground; that he also kept dicing, carding, and table-play, which was resorted to by the worst and meanest persons, who spent their time and money in unlawful play and betting, whilst their families were in peril of starvation; and that the great assemblies of persons encouraged infections, quarrels, and other disorders, for the prevention of which it had been thought desirable, not only to stay further buildings, but to call in question the licences already granted.
13th September, 1580.

I. 133. Letter from the Lord Mayor to the Lords of the Council, bringing the above abuses to their notice, and requesting power to suppress all such bowling alleys, notwithstanding the Queen's licence granted for the same.
24th September, 1580.