Robert Henlake facts for kids

Robert Henlake (died 1610) was a very talented English craftsman. He was known for making and tuning musical instruments. He worked for some of the most important people in England: Queen Elizabeth I, King James VI and I, and Queen Anne of Denmark.

Robert Henlake: Royal Instrument Maker

Robert Henlake helped make sure royal music always sounded perfect. For 16 years, he worked with another tuner named Gulliam Schets. Together, they tuned instruments for Queen Elizabeth I. After Schets died, Henlake wanted to continue working for the royal family. He asked King James to make him his official instrument maker. Many people at court supported his request.

Starting on June 27, 1603, Henlake shared this important job with Andrea Bassano. They were the official tuners for the king's musical instruments. This included virginals, organs, and many other types of instruments. A virginal is a bit like a small piano, but it makes sound by plucking strings.

In early 1610, a man named Samuel Calvert tried to arrange music lessons. He wanted "Robin Henlake" to teach virginal lessons to the diplomat William Trumbull or his family. Henlake even started creating a special lesson book for Trumbull. Sadly, Henlake passed away in June 1610. He died before the virginal lesson book was finished.

Working for Anne of Denmark

Robert Henlake also did work for Queen Anne of Denmark. He mended lutes and viols for Daniel Bacheler. Bacheler was a musician who worked directly for the Queen. In August and September of 1607, Henlake was at Hampton Court Palace. He was busy repairing a wind instrument for Queen Anne. He followed instructions from important people like Viscount Lisle and William Fowler. In February 1608, he even supplied a new pair of virginals to Queen Anne. Even though Henlake's main job was with the king, musicians often worked for other royal family members too.