Edward Towne graduated in European Studies from the University of East Anglia and later achieved a PGCE from Cambridge, an MA in Early Modern English History from the University of London and a MSt in Twentieth Century British History from the University of Oxford. His professional career was spent teaching History in state and independent Secondary Schools. Currently, Edward lectures to adults in a variety of organisations and acts as a reviewer and tour leader on historical topics.
The “Mary Rose”, the pride of Henry VIII’s fleet, was launched in 1512 and saw service against the French in the 1520’s. In 1545, the Mary Rose put out from Portsmouth Harbour to engage a French invasion fleet but sank with heavy loss of life as Henry VIII and his courtiers watched. The reason for the sinking is hotly debated: accurate French cannon fire, a freak wave, poor seamanship and overmanning are all suggested.
After several unsuccessful attempts at salvage the remains of the hull were raised in 1982 and are now displayed at Portsmouth Dockyard.
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