The Middleton Accounts of 1525: #33

The next three entries in the Middleton household accounts of Sir Henry Willoughby for 1525 were dated as the 31st December. All three relate to the festivities held at Middleton Hall on New Year’s Eve.

The first entry was described as a reward to the players of Upper Broughton, Nottinghamshire. They received 2 shillings, which was the equivalent of about £44.13 today. The second entry was described as a reward to a player that had come from Lichfield. It was for 16 pence, which was the equivalent of about £29.42 today and the equivalent at that time of 2 days wages for a skilled tradesman. The third and final entry for the year was described as a reward to the players that were the servants of Mr Belknapp and Mr Lewis. They received 3 shillings and 4 pence, which was the equivalent of about £73.55 today.

These entries specifically define these entertainers as players not minstrels. Minstrels were professional entertainers and could perform in various ways. Players, on the other hand, were only actors that performed theatrical plays or other dramatic works and, until a law change in 1572, players were normally amateurs.

Misnomer Theatre's performance of Romeo and Juliet in the Great Hall at Middleton Hall, 2015. Photograph taken by Joanna Habart.

We hope you have as entertaining a New Year’s Eve as Sir Henry had at Middleton in 1525 and, from Middleton Hall, we wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

Next entry: 3rd January

Further Reading: W. H. Stevenson, Report on the Manuscripts of Lord Middleton, Historical Manuscripts Commission, 1911. p379.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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