The First London Theatre 153 
m’ Allyn and his wief was not able to beftowe for his parte of 
his owen money wout Credit) the fomme of one hundred 
poundes towardes the building of the faid Theatre for that this 
deponent thincketh that he the faid Burbage was not then worth 
a hundred poundes and as towching his credyt he thincketh it was 
but fmale/ and more he cannot depofe/ 
And to all the reft of the faid Jnterogatories this deponent faieth 
he cannot depofe otherwife then he hath alredy depofed/ 
[Signed] per me William Nicoll 
WILL OF MARGARET BRAYNE 
Commissary Court of London, Register 1592-07, p. 20. 
[The will of John Brayne, an old one, dated 1 July, 1578, and proved 10 
August, 1586, just after his death, is also registered in this court, in the 
register for 1585-092, p. 29. But as he had disposed of most of his prop- 
erty by deeds of gift, and the will makes no mention of theatrical interests, 
no further notice need be taken of it. The widow, of course, claimed the 
moiety of the Theatre as executrix.] 
In the name of God Amen the eight daye of Aprill Anno 1593 in 
the xxxv™ yeere of the Reigne of our fouereigne Lady Elizabeth 
by the grace of god Quene of Englande ffrance and Irelande de- 
fendor of the faith &c I Margaret Braine of the parifhe of St 
Mary Matfellon alias whitechapell in the Countie of Middlesex 
widdow beinge wholl in mynde fyck of body but of a perfect 
memory and remembraunce laude and prayfe be given to all- 
mightie god therefore doe make and ordeine this my prefent 
writinge conteyninge herein my laft will and Teftament in manner 
and forme followinge that is to faye ffirft and principally and 
aboue all thinges I comende my foule to allmightie god my maker 
and to Jefus Chrift his fonne my favioT and redemer trufting in 
and by his merittes and precious blood fheddinge to be faved and 
to atteine liefe euerlaftinge And as concerninge the difpoficion 
of all and fingular fuch my goodes Chattles ymplementes and 
houfhold ftuff and other goodes whatfoeuer movable and vnmov- 
153 
