London Black History: Discovering Tudor Black Lives | Hidden Tudors Tours

Introduction

Walking through London's historic streets reveals a hidden legacy of Black Tudor lives that shaped the city's rich history. The Tudor period (1485-1603) offers a compelling chapter of Black British history that challenges conventional narratives about diversity in Early Modern England.

Dr. Onyeka Nubia's groundbreaking research in "England's Other Countrymen: Black Tudor Society" (2019) has documented the presence of Black individuals throughout Tudor England through meticulous examination of parish records, tax documents, court proceedings and wills.

Black Tudor Lives: Documented Presence

Historical records reveal Black Tudors living throughout England - not only in London but also in Bristol, Canterbury, Exeter, Norwich, York, Edinburgh and numerous rural areas including Blean in Kent, Holt in Worcestershire and Eydon in Northamptonshire.

These Black residents were referred to in records as "Aethiopian," "Black," "Blackamoore" and "Moor," with "Blackamoore" being the most common term. Far from being temporary visitors or outsiders, many were integrated members of their communities.

Notable Black Tudors

A Black history walk through London reveals the stories of numerous documented individuals:

• John Blanke - A royal trumpeter at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII whose image appears in the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511. Court records document his petition to Henry VIII for a wage increase, showing his ability to negotiate his position at court.

• Reasonable Blackman - A skilled silk weaver operating his business in Southwark from 1579-1592, documented in parish records.

• Jacques Francis - A skilled salvage diver who worked on the Mary Rose wreck recovery.

• Mary Fillis of Morisco - Baptised at St Botolph without Aldgate on 3 June 1597, described as "a blackmore." Her record indicates Iberian connections through the reference to "Morisco."

• Henrie Anthonie Jetto - Baptised in 1596 in Holt, Worcestershire at age 26. He wrote his own will (one of the oldest authored by an African in England) and held the rank of "yeoman," which entitled him to vote in local elections. He married a woman named Persida who outlived him.

• Symon Valencia - "A Blackamoore" buried at St Botolph without Aldgate on 20 August 1593, described as "a servant to Stephen Driffyn a nedellmaker."

Black Tudor London: A Walking Tour

A Black history walk through Tudor London reveals key locations where Black lives were documented:

• St Botolph without Aldgate - Parish church with baptism and burial records of several Black Tudors, making it a crucial site for Black Tudor history. Records here document individuals including Mary Fillis of Morisco and Symon Valencia.

• Southwark - Area where Reasonable Blackman operated his successful silk weaving business for over a decade (1579-1592), showing Black entrepreneurship in Tudor London.

• Cheapside - Location where the skilled "needle making Negro" lived and worked during the reign of Mary I (1553-1558), credited with bringing the art of fine Spanish needle-making to England.

• St Clement Danes, London - Church with burial records for "Fortunatus a blackmoor seruant" (January 1602).

Occupations and Social Position

Black Tudors worked in diverse occupations across London and beyond:

• Musicians in royal courts

• Skilled craftspeople and artisans

• Maritime professionals

• Domestic servants

• Independent traders and business owners

• Yeomen (like Henrie Anthonie Jetto)

The "needle making Negro" in Cheapside was renowned for bringing Spanish needle-making techniques to England and "would never teach his art to none," maintaining a guild-like secrecy around his craft. This skilled craftsman's presence challenges simplistic narratives about Black roles in Tudor society.

Origins and Connections

Parish records document diverse origins of Black Tudors:

• Many arrived via Iberian connections, as seen in records such as "Marrion S Soda of Morrisce" (buried 1563 in Bodmin, Cornwall) and "Moore Robert Tego" (taxed as a "denizen" in 1567)

• Some came from West African kingdoms such as Benin and Kaabu

• Others originated from North African countries including Morocco

• By the early 17th century, some came from or via Caribbean territories

These varied origins reflect London's position as a point of connection in global networks of trade, diplomacy and migration even in the Tudor period.

Economic and Material Connections

London's economic connections to Africa were significant during this period:

• West African gold reached England via North African and European trading networks

• Ivory and other African materials arrived through Mediterranean merchants

• These materials enhanced the craftsmanship of guild artisans in London workshops

As historian Luke Pepera notes, while English monarchs like Edward III knew of wealthy African kingdoms such as Mali under Mansa Musa, these connections operated through complex intermediary networks rather than direct trade.

Historical Context and Changes

The documentary record shows important shifts over time:

• Tudor Period (1485-1603): Records show Black individuals living as free persons across England in various occupations

• 1609-1614: Events in Iberia affected migration patterns to England

• Late 1600s: Documented changes in attitudes and legal structures

Exploring Black Tudor History Today

For those interested in exploring Black Tudor history in London today:

• Parish record collections provide documentary evidence of Black presence throughout Tudor London

• Historic sites connected to Black Tudor individuals offer a way to physically connect with this history

• Black history walks and tours focusing on the Tudor period can bring these stories to life

• Dr. Nubia's research and similar scholarly works provide crucial context for understanding these histories

Conclusion: Recovering Black Tudor History

The documentary evidence of Black presence in Tudor England forms an important chapter in London's Black history. Parish records, wills, tax documents and legal proceedings provide factual information about Black individuals who contributed to London society and other communities across England.

By walking in the footsteps of Black Tudors and examining the evidence of their lives, we gain a more accurate understanding of London's historical demographics and the longstanding Black presence in British history.

Experience the hidden history of Black Tudors for yourself! Book your place on our Hidden Tudors Tours and walk in the footsteps of John Blanke, Reasonable Blackman and other Black Tudors who shaped 16th century London. Our guides bring these forgotten stories to life at authentic historical locations. Reserve your spot today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Were there really Black people in Tudor London?

Yes, historical evidence conclusively shows that Black individuals lived and worked throughout Tudor London and beyond. Parish records, tax documents, court proceedings and other primary sources document the presence of Black Tudors in roles ranging from royal court musicians to skilled craftspeople.

How did Black people come to Tudor England?

Black Tudors came to England through various routes. Many arrived via connections with Spain and Portugal, others came directly from African kingdoms through diplomatic or trade relations, and some were born in England to parents who had arrived earlier. By the early 17th century, some also came from or via Caribbean territories.

What jobs did Black Tudors do?

Black Tudors worked in diverse occupations. Records show them working as royal musicians (like John Blanke), silk weavers (Reasonable Blackman), skilled needle-makers, salvage divers (Jacques Francis), domestic servants and independent traders. Some, like Henrie Anthonie Jetto, held the rank of yeoman.

Were Black Tudors enslaved?

The documented Black Tudors in England were free individuals, not enslaved people. While their social status varied, parish records show them being baptised, married, owning property, making wills and in some cases achieving positions that entitled them to vote in elections.

How many Black people lived in Tudor England?

We don't know the exact numbers, but parish records document Black residents across London and in towns and villages throughout England including Bristol, Canterbury, Exeter, Norwich and beyond. Dr. Nubia's research has highlighted that their presence was more significant than previously acknowledged.

Why don't we hear more about Black Tudors in mainstream history?

Traditional historical narratives often focused on royalty, nobility and military history, overlooking the social history of ordinary people including Black Tudors. Additionally, historical research sometimes approached the period with assumptions about homogeneity that led to missing or misinterpreting evidence of diversity.

References and Further Reading

• Nubia, O. (2019). England's Other Countrymen: Black Tudor Society. Zed Books.

• Kaufmann, M. (2017). Black Tudors: The Untold Story. Oneworld Publications.

• Pepera, L. (2025). Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity. (Forthcoming)

• St Botolph without Aldgate Parish Records (1595-1603). London Archives.

• Westminster Tournament Roll (1511). College of Arms, London.