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John Blanke: Tudor court musician
In this History video, the children are introduced to John Blanke, a royal trumpeter who served Henry VII and Henry VIII and is the first known person of African descent in Britain to appear in both written and visual records.
The video explains his role at court, showing how he performed at major events such as coronations, funerals and tournaments, and how he earned a regular wage for his skilled musicianship. The children learn that John Blanke appeared in royal artwork, successfully requested a pay rise from Henry VIII and received a velvet gown and hat as a wedding gift, demonstrating the value placed on him at court. Although his life after 1512 remains unknown, his story provides an essential insight into the lives and contributions of black people in Tudor England.
As part of Kapow Primary’s Tudor England series, the children explore how individual stories help build a richer understanding of the past.
See more of our Year 5 History scheme of work.
- History, Year 5, *New* British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England? Lesson 6: What did John Blanke have in his inventory?
- History, Year 5, *New* British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England?
- History, Year 5/6 (A), *New* British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England? Lesson 6: What did John Blanke have in his inventory?
- History, Year 5/6 (A), *New* British history 5: What was life like in Tudor England?
