This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow History scheme of work. It introduces John Blanke, a trumpeter at the royal courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII, and the first known person of African descent in British history with both written records and a portrait. John worked as a musician at important royal events, including funerals, coronations, and jousting tournaments, and was paid a daily wage for his service.

We know he performed for two kings, appeared in royal artwork, and even successfully asked Henry VIII for a pay rise. He received a velvet gown and hat as a wedding gift from the King, showing how valued he was at court. After 1512, John disappears from the records, and historians aren’t sure what happened to him. But his life gives us a rare and important glimpse into the role of black people in Tudor Britain.

History, Upper key stage 2, Year 5, *New* British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England? Lesson 6: What did John Blanke have in his inventory?