It’s Black History Month! Black People in European History #10

It's Black History Month! Every day I will post something that shows the deep and rich history of Black people in Europe, so no one ever again questions why Black actors should be cast in all the films, plays, and shows about European history or based on fictionalized European history like Lord of the Rings and The Witcher.

February 10: John Blanke. A trumpeter in the courts of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII, John Blanke was so valued that when he asked (thankfully, in writing) Henry VIII to DOUBLE his salary and promote him to senior trumpeter, Henry readily agreed. In 1512, Blanke married an unnamed Englishwoman, and Henry VIII presented him with a wedding gift of new clothing in violet velvet (!!!) AND a hat. Suffice it to say, not every random person in the court’s employ was given such lavish gifts. The image is a detail from the 1511 Westminster Tournament Roll, a record of the jousting tournament Henry VIII held to celebrate the birth of his firstborn son. Cast Black Actors!