Teach the hidden history of Tudor England with this non-fiction reading comprehension resource, featuring a high-interest informational text and engaging activities for Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9).

This no-prep pack pairs a carefully levelled non-fiction text with comprehension and assessment activities that build historical understanding, critical thinking and close reading skills.

Pupils uncover the true story of John Blanke, a Black royal trumpeter who served at the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII in the early sixteenth century. Using royal household payment records and the vivid Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511, pupils examine rare primary source evidence of a named Black individual in Tudor England — including his petition to Henry VIII to double his wages. The text explores key concepts including primary sources, royal display and the connections between Tudor London and the wider European, African and Mediterranean worlds.

Ideal for UK Black History Month, British history topics, or general non-fiction comprehension practice.

Reading Level
Targeted at KS3 (Years 7–9), the text uses accessible sentence structures and embedded vocabulary definitions to support comprehension and discussion without oversimplification.
What’s Included
A 2-page informational text with bolded vocabulary defined in context and authentic historical images.
Comprehension & Assessment Pack
A set of comprehension, response, and quiz sheets designed to check understanding, reinforce vocabulary, and sustain student engagement. Includes:

• Written Response Question Sheet
• Mixed-format question sheet combining multiple styles
• Crossword
• Word Search
• SAT-style multiple-choice quiz (2-page)
• Vocabulary matching activity
• True/False quiz
• Cloze summary

Explore more Black British History KS3 reading resources

Build a broader, chronological understanding of Black British history through Roman Britain, Tudor and Georgian society, slavery and abolition, Victorian Britain, and Black military service.

• Black Roman Britain: Ivory Bangle Lady | KS3 Reading
• Black Georgian Britain: Sancho, Equiano & Mary Prince | KS3 Reading
• British Slavery & Abolition | Black British History KS3 Reading
• Black Victorian Britain: Mary Seacole | KS3 Reading
• Black Soldiers & Sailors: Britain’s Wars | KS3 Reading