Reasonable Blackman facts for kids

Reasonable Blackman was a skilled silk weaver who lived in London, England, a long time ago. He lived in a part of London called Southwark during the late 1500s. He was one of the first people of African heritage to own his own business in London during that time. This made him a very important figure.

Who Was Reasonable Blackman?

Starting a New Life in London

Reasonable Blackman first appears in historical records around 1579. He was a silk weaver, which means he made beautiful fabrics from silk threads. He lived and worked in Southwark, a busy area of London. It's thought he might have come to London from the Netherlands. The Netherlands had a good silk trade and many people of African descent living there. We don't know exactly where he was born.

Building a Family in Southwark

By 1587, Reasonable Blackman was married. This shows he was successful enough to support a family. Some people think he might have even made costumes for the famous theaters in his area. He had at least three children. One of his children, Edward, was baptized at St Olave's Church in Southwark in 1587. Another child with a similar last name might also have been his.

Sadly, in 1592, two of his children, Edmund and Jane, passed away from the plague. They were buried with proper ceremonies in the churchyard of St Olave's. We don't know the name or background of Blackman's wife. Because there were very few people of African descent in London back then, it's likely she was a white Englishwoman.

A Look at His Legacy

Reasonable Blackman's story is important because it shows that people of African heritage were living and working independently in London centuries ago. He was a successful business owner and a family man. His life helps us understand the diverse history of London during the Elizabethan era.