I imagined John Blanke as a figure of intrigue and prominence when I first encountered him depicted as one of the Royal Trumpeters in the Westminster Tournament Roll. This artwork highlighted his unique position through the Royal Tudor coat of arms adorning each trumpet, marking a significant court event where John stood out prominently.

My fascination grew as he was the only Black person featured, sparking questions about his origins and his life at the pinnacle of English society during the 15th and 16th centuries.

I pondered over how John acquired his musicianship and adapted to the customs of the Royal English court. Was he perhaps part of a royal court in his homeland before being presented to England's court? What kind of man was he, and how did he interact with his peers? Was his living arrangement among the court's staff in a dormitory, or did he have a family and a home of his own?

The source material I had been given on John Blanke was not enough, it answered too few of these questions for me to create an image. So I decided to imagine my own source to answer my questions. I imagined I had discovered the works of a distinguished academic who had delved into the history of 15th and 16th century literature. Their research revealed insights from a Book of Hours owned by a lady of the Tudor court, who was the young widow of a lord linked to Henry's court. In her notes, she describes her interactions with John Blanke, "a musician of great skill." She details their conversations about religion, philosophy, astrology, astronomy, and their mutual appreciation for nature, discussing the wildlife and natural environments of their respective countries.
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Through her writings, I glimpsed the depth of John's knowledge and his ability to engage in profound discussions on various subjects, revealing his well-rounded intellect and curiosity. These notes provided a rare, personal insight for me into John Blanke's life, allowing me to reimagine this enigmatic man who navigated his role within the complexities of the English Tudor court.

Ormond Noonan
Artist