Special Event highlights: Two talks by Christopher Dobbs, Head of Interpretation for the Mary Rose Trust A private viewing of the extensive and fascinating artefacts at the new Mary Rose Museum A day discovering Portsmouth\'s maritime history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Southsea Castle On his ascent to the throne in 1509, and faced with ever-present threats from France and Scotland, Henry VIII begun to build up his navy. Mary Rose was to become the pride of Henry\'s fleet, but after 34 years of service in 1545, she sank in the Solent whilst leading to attack on a French invasion fleet. Here she lay undisturbed until her rediscovery in 1971 and then excavation and salvage in 1982, a milstone in the field of maritime archaeology which uncovered a wonderfully preserved Tudor time capsule. On May 31st 2013 the brand new Mary Rose Museum opened in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The museum tells the story of Henry VIII\'s flagship and displays the many priceless and fascinating objects found in and around the wreck. You will: enjoy two talks about the Mary Rose; spend a day exploring Portsmouth Historic Dockyard before returning for a private evening at the Mary Rose Museum; visit Southsea Castle where Henry witnessed Mary Rose founder and Fort Nelson, home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery.   Click here for explanation of the footprint symbols