'Mary Rose Day' 🏵️ 19 July

Simon O'Donovan
Jul 19
3 min read

MARY ROSE DAY – CST Activities

On 19 July we remember one of England's most famous ships – the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII's favourite warship. Built more than 500 years ago, she served the Tudor navy for over three decades before sinking during the Battle of the Solent in 1545. Hidden beneath the seabed for centuries, the ship was dramatically raised in 1982, giving us an extraordinary glimpse into Tudor life.

Today's activities take us back to the fascinating Tudor period. We'll test our memories, share what we already know, enjoy some laughter with Blackadder, and finish with two memorable songs from very different eras. There are no right or wrong answers – the aim is to stimulate memories, encourage conversation and have fun together.

FACTS ABOUT THE MARY ROSE

Built between 1509 and 1511, shortly after Henry VIII became king.
Named after Henry VIII's sister Mary and the Tudor rose.
One of the most powerful warships of her day.
Carried around 90 heavy guns and a crew of more than 400 men.
Sank on 19 July 1545 during the Battle of the Solent while facing a French invasion fleet.
The exact reason for the sinking is still debated today.
The wreck lay hidden beneath the seabed for 437 years.
Raised in a spectacular operation on 11 October 1982, watched live by millions on television.
More than 19,000 artefacts were recovered, including weapons, tools, clothing, musical instruments, gaming pieces and even the ship's dog.
Today the preserved ship can be seen at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth.

THE TUDORS

The Tudor dynasty ruled England from 1485 to 1603, one of the most colourful periods in British history.

The Tudor monarchs were:

Henry VII
Henry VIII
Edward VI
Mary I ("Bloody Mary")
Elizabeth I ("The Virgin Queen")

The Tudor age saw:

The building of a powerful Royal Navy.
Magnificent palaces such as Hampton Court.
Great explorers sailing to new lands.
The English Reformation and major religious change.
Shakespeare beginning his career during Elizabeth I's reign.
Fashion with ruffs, doublets, elaborate gowns and feathered hats.

MEMORY CHALLENGE – CAN YOU NAME HENRY VIII'S SIX WIVES?

How many of Henry VIII's wives can you remember?

Can you recall:

Their names?
What happened to each of them?
Which wife gave birth to Elizabeth I?
Which wife survived Henry?

OTHER TUDOR ASSOCIATIONS

How many of these Tudor people, places and things can you remember?

Hampton Court Palace
Tower of London
Anne Boleyn
Jane Seymour
Thomas More
Thomas Cromwell
Cardinal Wolsey
Sir Francis Drake
Sir Walter Raleigh
William Shakespeare
Elizabeth I
The Spanish Armada
Tudor houses
Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
The Royal Navy
Ruffs and farthingales
Jousting tournaments
Longbows and cannons
The Tudor Rose
The Mary Rose

Which of these do you know the most about?

Many people remember the hilarious BBC comedy Blackadder II, set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Can you remember:

Lord Edmund Blackadder
Queen Elizabeth I ("Queenie")
Lord Melchett
Percy
Baldrick
Nursie
Sir Walter Raleigh
Lord Flashheart

Do you have a favourite character or episode? (You could watch some "Best Bits" of 'B;ackadder 11' on Youtube if you have time.)

CST SONG OF THE DAY

🎵 Greensleeves

One of England's best-loved traditional melodies, Greensleeves dates back to Tudor times. Although people often say Henry VIII wrote it for Anne Boleyn, historians now believe that story is almost certainly a myth. Nevertheless, the tune has become forever associated with the Tudor period and remains one of the most recognisable melodies in English music.

🎵 I'm Henry VIII, I Am – Herman's Hermits (1965)

This lively number took a much older Victorian music hall song and turned it into an international hit in 1965. Herman's Hermits reached No. 1 in the United States, while the song also became a favourite in Britain thanks to its catchy chorus and playful references to England's most famous king. It's a fun singalong that perfectly rounds off a Tudor-themed session with plenty of smiles and nostalgia.