One of the highlights of the year 1613 was the burning down of the Globe Theatre in London, during a performance of Shakespeare's newly-written ‘Henry VIII’, when the discharge of a piece of ordnance set fire to the thatch.

Another event which took place during the year was less spectacular but, to actuaries, just as noteworthy. This was the publication of a book by Richard Witt entitled: Arithmeticall Questions, touching The Buying or Exchange of Annuities; Taking of Leases for Fines, or yearly Rent; Purchase of Fee-Simples; Dealing for present or future Possessions; and other Bargaines and Accounts, wherein allowance for disbursing or forebeareance of money is intended; Briefly resolved, by means of certain Breviats. (See Title Page in Figure 1 on facing page).