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John Blanke (also rendered Blancke or Blak) (fl. 1501–1511) was a musician of African descent in London from the early Tudor period, who probably came to England as one of the African attendants of Catherine of Aragon in 1501.
John Blanke was a royal trumpeter in the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII, and remains the only Black Tudor for whom we have an identifiable image. While serving two kings, he bore witness to some of the great moments in England's history and contributed to some of the greatest spectacles of the Tudor age.
John Blanke is the first named Black person in British history who we have an image of. Cultural historian Michael Ohajuru explains what we know about Blanke’s life as a Black Tudor musician and the significance of his image on the Westminster Tournament Roll.
Who was John Blanke? John Blanke was one of several musicians employed in the Tudor court. While there is considerable speculation about what first brought John to the court of Henry VII, there is very little that we know about him for sure.
Apr 28, 2022 · Although people of African descent have been in the UK for at least 2,000 years, 16th-century trumpeter John Blanke is thought to be the first Black Briton to have an image of him recorded.
- Sophia Alexandra Hall
John Blanke was a trumpeter at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII. He is one of the earliest people of colour in England we have records about.
John Blanke was recorded as one of the king’s trumpeters at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII, from late 1507 until early 1512. He is the first person of colour in England for whom...
