The story of the first recorded Black musician in England is fascinating

first recorded Black musician in England

The first record we have of a Black person in the UK, where we have both a picture and written records, does not date from the arrival of the Imperial Windrush but much earlier.

In February 1511, Henry VIII hosted a pageant to celebrate the birth of his son. The pageant was recorded in a 60-foot long, vellum scroll, painted by the heraldic artists of the College of Arms. In beautiful detail, it records two days of royal sport and festivities. At the start of the roll, you can see 6 trumpet players, no doubt playing a stirring fanfare, the 6 reappear in the final image. 5 of the musicians are pretty well identical, a Tudor form of clip art, but the sixth is different. First of all, he is wearing a hat and more notably he is Black.

…he asked for a promotion and a doubling of his salary! Which, by the way, the king agreed to.  

His name is John Blanke. We know this because his wages are recorded in the king’s accounts. There are 7 payments recorded to John Blanke “the black trumpet”. This isn’t the only record we have of John, he also wrote a letter to the king.

Henry VlllIn all likelihood, John came to England as part of Katherine of Aragon’s household when she arrived to marry Henry’s elder brother, Arthur. Clearly, he was a man who was both literate and bold, the first we know because he penned a letter the second because he asked for a promotion and a doubling of his salary! Which, by the way, the king agreed to.

We know that John went on to marry, the king gave him a bonnet as a wedding present, but after that very little is known.

As a postscript note, it has to be said that Henry Vlll was very much a complex and controversial king and you wouldn’t have wanted to be one of his wives, but he was way ahead of his time with how people from different ethnicities to "one's" own should be treated in England. An aspect of his character we should all seek to emulate.

 

Published: 27 July 2021
© 2021 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Surprising jobs celebs did before they were famous (no. 4 is completely unexpected!)
Five steps to spring-clean your CV

Jobs currently available

New job
Customer Service Supervisor
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913359
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based on the outskirts of Halstead, actively seeking a 'Customer Service Supervisor' to join its client-focused team.

The key purpose of the role is to be the main point of contact for all client communication and to be responsible for the delivery of exceptional levels of customer care.

Key duties include:

  • Answering and directing telephone calls
  • Answering emails
  • Meeting and greeting site visitors
  • Assisting with the onboarding of new clients, working closely with the Management team
  • Supporting managers to build and maintain client relationship
  • Supporting the Management team, with customer service issues, aiming for successful resolution through liaison with all department managers and clients
  • Supporting the management team, managing client expectations of the company’s capabilities, including actual and potential service achievement
  • Assisting the Management team with new client campaigns and procedures to ensure successful implementation and delivery
  • Processing daily system errors
  • Providing software templates to clients
  • Updating rates on the software
  • Escalating issues to the relevant managers
  • Taking responsibility for complex queries

Requirements for this role:

  • Previous experience working in an office or customer-service-based role
  • Excellent customer service
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Ability to use Microsoft Word and emails
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and file notes
  • Strong administration and organisational skills
  • Ability to manage conflicting priorities, calmly and pragmatically

To be considered for this role, you must have access to your own transport due to the company’s location - you must also have a proven background in a customer service-based role.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 08.30 to 17.30.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Senior Product Inspection Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913366
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Senior Product Inspection Engineer for a manufacturer based in Gillingham, Kent.

This role offers a great opportunity for an experienced engineer to join a diverse team of inspection engineers and technicians, using state-of-the-art measurement technologies and facilities to support the development of cutting-edge ICE technology towards achieving carbon-free goals.

Job purpose:

The Product Inspection function provides measurement expertise to support key engineering activities from product performance validation to new product development.

Key responsibilities:

  • Carry out dimensional and surface inspection according to design specifications, using a microscope, hand gauges, contact and optical measurement systems.
  • Produce detailed inspection reports and communicate technical information effectively with key stakeholders.
  • Be accountable for inspection method and measurement process development, as well as work with the product engineering and validation team to define detailed requirements.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, customers, suppliers, as well as research new technology to improve department capability to meet product development and program needs.
  • Responsible for the development and validation of measurement processes and procedures.
  • Contribute to continuous quality improvement.
  • Conduct measurement trials and capability analysis.
  • Equipment calibration and maintenance.
  • Ensure EH&S and Quality Management System conformance (IATF 16949).

Mandatory skills

  • Previous experience in the field of dimensional metrology or precision engineering.
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of dimensional metrology.
  • Applied knowledge of measurement best practices.
  • Experience using manual and digital microscopes.
  • Experience using contact and optical 3D metrology equipment (such as Zygo and Taylor Hobson surface measurement instruments).
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Able to contribute in a team environment.
  • Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Solid problem-solving skills.
  • To be a self-starter, self-motivated and willing to learn new skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines when required.
  • Good understanding of 5S and workplace organisation.

Desirable

  • Experience working in automotive sectors and knowledge of diesel common rail fuel injection systems, test environments and diesel engines would be beneficial.
  • Applied experience with surface finish measurement.
  • Data-driven mindset, experience in applying design for inspection and statistical analysis.
  • Knowledge of traceability, measurement uncertainty, gauge R&R and
  • Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
  • Experience in writing measurement programmes (CMMs and Taylor Hobson - Talyrond).
  • Practical experience in metrology software, preferably Polyworks.
  • Knowledge of dimensional metrology standards and surface finish standards.
  • Programming skills using Matlab and VBA.
  • 3D CAD experience.
  • Experience in mentoring apprentices or junior engineers.

Qualifications/Educational/Experience:

  • Degree in appropriate engineering discipline or apprenticeship + 5 years’ experience.

Desirable

  • Master’s degree in metrology or precision engineering discipline.
  • NPL Dimensional Measurement Certificate – Levels 1 & 2 would be beneficial.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CNC Lathe Setter/Operator (rotating earlies and lates)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913364
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a CNC Lathe Setter/Operator to work on a rotating shift pattern of one-week earlies (07.00 to 15.00) and one-week lates (15.00 to 23.00) for a company based in Halstead, Essex.

Key responsibilities/experience will include:

  • CNC Turning using Doosan and Lynx lathes with Fanuc 21I-T controls.
  • A good understanding of drawings and geometric tolerances both metric and imperial.
  • Using measuring equipment such as micrometres, verniers, plug gauges, screw gauges, and ring gauges.
  • A good understanding of CNC programming is imperative.

Skills and qualifications:

  • An in-depth understanding and experience of CNC Lathe / Turning.
  • Able to understand component drawings.

Role requirements:

You will be highly organised with a meticulous approach to work and a high level of attention to detail.

You will possess excellent teamwork and communication skills and will be able to work unsupervised in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.

You will have the ability to confidently discuss design options and knowledge of influence on part manufacture and cost is also essential.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more