John Blanke

John Blanke is the earliest known Black person in English royal records. He was a trumpeter who served at the courts of both Henry VII and Henry VIII, and his image appears on the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511 — a 60-foot illustrated document celebrating a royal tournament held to mark the birth of Henry VIII's short-lived son. On the roll, Blanke is clearly depicted wearing a turban and playing a trumpet, surrounded by his fellow royal musicians.

Blanke is believed to have arrived in England in 1501 as part of the entourage accompanying Catherine of Aragon from Spain, where he had likely been in service at the Spanish court. He was employed as one of the royal trumpeters — a prestigious position — and was paid the same wage as his white counterparts.

In 1507, Blanke petitioned Henry VII for a pay rise, citing his loyal service. The petition was granted — making John Blanke not only the first recorded Black person in English royal service, but possibly the first Black person to successfully advocate for equal pay in British history.

After the death of Henry VII in 1509, Blanke continued in service under Henry VIII. Records show he was given a gown of violet and black livery — the royal colours — for the coronation celebrations. He also received a wedding gift from the king when he married in 1512. After that date, he disappears from the records.

John Blanke's story is remarkable not only for its historical significance but for what it reveals about the diversity of Tudor England. Black people were present in Britain and in the highest levels of royal service long before the transatlantic slave trade brought African people to Britain in large numbers.