Skip main navigation

The Story of Jacques Francis the Salvage Diver

Watch this narrated audio with images telling the story of Jacques Francis the Salvage Diver.

In this video narrated by actor Paterson Joseph, we introduce the story of Jacques Francis, a salvage diver from an island off the coast of West Africa. We know a great deal about the story of Jacques Francis because he testified in court in a dispute about a Tudor shipwreck.

Like John Blanke the trumpeter in Week 1, Jacques Francis earned a living in Tudor England with his valued specialist skills.

We will look in more detail at the background to his story within the next steps and examine the evidence from the High Court of Admiralty records.

Reflection

After watching the video, take a moment to reflect and share your thoughts in the comments:

  • What particularly interested you in the story and experiences of Jacques Francis and did anything surprise you?

  • What skills had Jacques Francis developed in swimming, diving and salvage operations, and why do you think these skills might be particularly valued in England in the Tudor period?

This article is from the free online

Black Tudors: The Untold Story

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now