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John Blanke

KS1 Significant Individuals

About this learning resource

Format: Video

These resources support Key Stage 1 students discover the lives of significant historical individuals by using primary sources as evidence.

Discover the story of John Blanke, a skilled Black musician in the royal court. Find out how he impressed Henry VII and Henry VIII, and what happened when he boldly asked the king for a pay rise! 

  • Meet John Blanke video
  • Primary Source PowerPoint Task
  • Watch-Along Guide

Plus a Tudor Knowledge Booster for teachers to help enhance subject knowledge with quick, accessible insights.

Resource Information

Key Stage

  • KS1 (age 5-7)

Subjects

  • English
  • History

Topic

  • Elizabethans
  • Tudors
  • Diverse Histories

Type

  • Videos
  • Lesson ideas

Palace

  • Tower of London
Back to learning resources

Meet John Blanke Video

This short video combines dramatised scenes with real historical sources.

  • John Blanke key facts 
  • Life in the Tudor period 
  • How do we know about John Blanke today? 
  • How can we remember John Blanke today?

Primary Source PowerPoint Task

Learning resource preview image featuring painting of historic people

Check out the notes section under the PowerPoint slides for information and ideas.

How do we know about John Blanke?

This editable PowerPoint features primary sources. It includes suggested classroom tasks to encourage students to investigate real historical evidence.

Watch-Along Guide

This simple guide offers practical ideas for using these resources with your students, including key vocabulary and discussion questions.

More learning resources

Image of costumed actor

Tudor Knowledge Booster

Topics include the power of the monarchy, daily life, plus the exploration, trade and exploitation. 

Costumed actor portraying a historical figure

Significant Individuals

Meet other significant people from the Tudor and Victorian period. 

Our Key Stage 1 resources have been developed in collaboration with Mr T Does Primary History.