John Blanke earned 8d a day as Musician for the Royal Court. That was quite a good wage in the Tudor time and he even got a home and meals as part of his job.

When Henry VII died in 1509, Henry VIII came to the throne. To celebrate, there were lots of royal ceremonies. John Blanke was there too, playing his trumpet at the events, and he had to wear a special black outfit for the occasion. 

Many years passed and John continued to play his trumpet for King Henry. One day, however, one of the other trumpeters died. His name was Domynck Justinian and he held a more senior position. John, knowing how talented he was, went directly to King Henry VIII and asked for a pay rise and for a promotion.

King Henry VIII agreed and John’s wages rose to 16d a day! The letter he wrote to King Henry VIII is still in the National Archives today.

In fact, King Henry VIII and John Blanke got on so well, that when John got married in 1512, King Henry VIII gave him a wedding present of a beautiful hat and gown made of velvet.

John continued to play the trumpet throughout his life, playing at many special celebrations for the Royal family, including the the birth of King Henry VIII’s son.

We don’t know a lot about John Blanke, but historians are doing research to find out more about him, and other Black Tudors