The story of
John Blanke
John Blanke was a trumpeter at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII. He is one of the earliest people of colour in England we have records about.
Early modern (1485–1714)
Delve into records from a period that covers the Tudor, Stuart and English Civil War eras. Discover stories of treason, conflict and seismic religious upheaval, including some of the most famous moments in history, like the Gunpowder Plot and the Reformation.
Stories from the collection
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Record revealed
Letter patent with the Great Seal of Ireland attached
This unexpected gem is a document granting land in Ireland to a John Farrell. Attached is the Great Seal of Ireland, indicating approval from King Charles II. -
Record revealed
An Elizabethan widow's will
This ordinary will from 1587 gives us a glimpse of an Elizabethan woman’s concerns on her deathbed. -
Record revealed
A letter from the most powerful woman in Tudor England: Margaret Beaufort
How did the founder of the Tudor dynasty reach and use her position of power? -
Record revealed
List of animals held in the ‘Bear Garden’ in Elizabethan Southwark
This deed reveals some of the animals kept to perform on the Tudor stage or in arenas. It includes ‘an old she bear called Nan’, some bulls, a horse and an ape. -
Record revealed
John Blanke’s petition for a pay rise
This parchment records John Blanke, a Black Tudor in the royal court, asking King Henry VIII for a pay rise and a promotion in his role as a trumpeter. -
Record revealed
The Monteagle Letter
Is this the most famous anonymous letter in British history? Perhaps it should be. Without it, the Gunpowder Plot might have succeeded. -
The story of
William Shakespeare
Through documents held in The National Archives, we can gain an incredible insight into the life of one of the world's most famous playwrights.