John Blanke facts for kids
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John Blanke was an amazing musician of African descent who lived in London during the early Tudor period. He was a trumpeter for two English kings, Henry VII and Henry VIII. John Blanke is one of the first black people recorded in British history after the Roman times. He likely came to England in 1501 with Catherine of Aragon, who later became Queen. His name, Blanke, might have come from the word "black" or from the French word "blanc", meaning white.
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Life as a Royal Trumpeter
Not much is known about John Blanke's early life. We do know he was a skilled trumpeter in the royal court. He worked for King Henry VII and later for his son, King Henry VIII.
His Pay and Work
John Blanke earned 8 pence every day from King Henry VII. This was a good wage for the time. A record from December 1507 shows he was paid 20 shillings as "John Blanke the Blacke Trumpet." He continued to receive this payment every month for a year. His yearly pay of £12 was much higher than what a farm worker or a servant earned. He even asked King Henry VIII for a pay raise, and he got it!
Important Events
John Blanke played his trumpet at very important events. He was there for the funeral of King Henry VII in 1509. He also performed at the grand coronation of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon in the same year. It is believed he got married around 1512. Another trumpeter, Alfonso de Valdenebro, also of African origin, came to England with Catherine of Aragon in 1501.
The Westminster Tournament Roll
Historian Sydney Anglo was the first to suggest that the "Blanke Trumpet" from the court records was the same person shown in a famous artwork. This artwork is called the 1511 Westminster Tournament Roll.
What is the Roll?
The Westminster Tournament Roll is a very long, illustrated document. It is about 60 feet long! It shows the royal parade for a huge tournament held in 1511. This event celebrated the birth of a son, Henry, to King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine.
John Blanke in the Roll
John Blanke is shown twice in this amazing roll. He is one of six trumpeters riding horses in the royal procession. All the trumpeters wear yellow and grey uniforms. Their trumpets are decorated with the royal coat of arms. But John Blanke stands out! He is the only one wearing a special turban, first brown and yellow, then green and gold. The other trumpeters have bare heads and longer hair.
Black Musicians in History
Black trumpeters and drummers were part of European royal events for a long time. They were known to be present as early as the 1100s. For example, black trumpeters were seen when Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor, entered Palermo, Sicily, in 1194.
Musicians Across Europe
By the Renaissance period, black musicians were found in many cities. There was a trumpeter for a royal ship in Naples in 1470. There were also black drummers in the court of King James IV in Edinburgh, Scotland. John Blanke was part of this long history of talented black musicians.
Remembering John Blanke
John Blanke's story is still important today. People are working to make sure he is remembered.
Modern Recognition
In 2020, John Blanke was named one of the "100 Great Black Britons." This list celebrates people who have helped shape Britain. British rapper and writer Akala even based a character on John Blanke in his book The Dark Lady, released in 2021.
Plaques and Exhibitions
In January 2022, a special blue plaque was put up in John Blanke's honor. It is at King Charles Court in Greenwich, London. This building is home to a music and dance school. In May 2022, an exhibition in Liverpool showed two portraits of Blanke from the Westminster Tournament Roll. It was the first time this document was shown outside London in 20 years.
The John Blanke Project
The John Blanke Project is an art and history project. It celebrates John Blanke and his images. This project was even featured on Sky Arts in July 2023. It marked the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery, London.
See also
- African presence at the Scottish royal court
- More taubronar, a musician at the Scottish royal court
Images for kids
