The Act passed in 1464, regulating the apparel to be worn by the different classes of society, contains special exception in favour of henchmen, pursuivants, sword-bearers to mayors, messengers, minstrels, and "players in their interludes." The first royal personage who entertained a company of players as his servants was probably Richard III.

when Duke of Gloucester, who seems, moreover, to have given great encouragement to music and musicians.

In the reign of Henry VII.

dramatic representations were frequent in all parts of England.

The king himself had two companies of players, the "gentlemen of the chapel," and his "players of interludes." The early actors, whose performances took place in the open air or in public places, doubtless obtained recompense for their labours much after the manner of our modern street exhibitors: by that system of "sending round the hat," which too many lookers-on nowadays consider as an intimation to depart about their business, leaving their entertainment unpaid for.