Excluded were performances
authorized by the king in Westminster.
Unlicensed places of entertainment are deemed disorderly (like
bawdy houses and gaming houses) because they increase idleness,
which produces mischief and inconvenience. Persons therein may be
seized by a constable. Persons keeping such a place shall forfeit
100 pounds. No licensed place of entertainment may be opened until
5:00 p.m.
Later there was an award of 5s. for apprehending a person leaving
his wife and children to the parish, living idly, refusing to work
at going rates, or going from door or placing themselves in the
streets to beg. This includes begging by persons who pretend to be
soldiers, mariners, seafaring men, or harvest workers. These
rogues and vagabonds shall be sent to hard labor at a House of
Correction for up to one month. The real soldiers, mariners,
seafaring men, and harvest workers shall carry official documents
indicating their route and limiting the time of such passage.
Persons pretending to be lame who beg are to be removed. If he
comes back to beg, his back may be whipped until bloody. If a
constable neglects this duty, he shall forfeit 10s.
Masters of ships bringing in vagabonds or beggars from Ireland or
the colonies shall forfeit five pounds for each one. This money
shall be used for reconveying such people back at a price
determined by a Justice of the Peace.
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