Black History and the Tudors

This month we are celebrating Black History Month. I have often wondered when I've looked at all the stories, History books, videos etc...What about famous black people in Tudor Times - Who were they?

During the Tudor Times there is

some evidence that people were

used as servants but they were

not enslaved. Others were rich

merchants, noblemen/women or

soldiers.

Enslaving others did not happn in

England until the late 1600's when

the Portugese introduced the idea

of trading in people.

John Blanke was a royal trumpeter in the courts of Henry the VII and Henry VIII. While serving as the trumpeter he was held in high regard by both kings. He was paid the sum of 8 pence which over the year equated to £12. In today's money that's roughly £7,958.18.This was double the wage of a farm labourer.

What are your thoughts?

What other information have you found out?

Have you found any other interesting articles about black people in the Tudor Times?