Hull and Structure
- Carvel Planking: The ship’s hull was built with carvel planking, a method where planks are laid edge-to-edge to create a smooth surface, improving hydrodynamics.
- High Forecastle and Sterncastle: These structures provided platforms for archers and gunners, offering strategic advantages in naval combat.
Armament
- Heavy Cannon: The Mary Rose was among the first ships to carry a broadside of heavy cannons, marking a shift in naval warfare from boarding and hand-to-hand combat to artillery duels.
- Gun Ports: The ship featured multiple gun ports that allowed cannons to be fired from inside the hull, a revolutionary development at the time.
Crew
- The Mary Rose typically carried a crew of about 400 men, including sailors, soldiers, gunners, and archers.
Service History and Military Engagements
The Mary Rose had a long and active service life spanning over three decades.
Early Missions
- The ship was primarily tasked with protecting English waters from French and Scottish threats and patrolling the English Channel.
Battles and Engagements
Battle of the Solent (1545): The Mary Rose’s most famous engagement was during this battle against a French invasion fleet. The English navy aimed to repel the French fleet from landing on the Isle of Wight.
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