The Mary Rose is a magnificent 16th-century carrack, the flagship of King Henry VIII’s navy. It was named ‘Mary’ after the king’s sister, whilst the rose was the symbol of the royal Tudor line. Built between 1509 and 1510, it was one of the first Royal Navy ships constructed specifically for warfare and probably never served as a merchant vessel. On 10 August 1512, it took part in an attack on the French fleet, engaging the ‘Marie la Cordelière’, the flagship of Admiral Ren de Clermont. Both ships were damaged; the ‘Mary Rose’ ran aground, whilst the ‘Marie la Cordelière’ came under fire from other English ships and was burned. Between 1528 and 1536, the “Mary Rose” was refitted, eventually reaching a displacement of 700 tonnes and a length of 65 metres; she was equipped with four masts and armed with 91 guns, and was considered by contemporaries to be an invincible ship. In 1545, King Francis I of France, with a fleet of over 200 ships and an army of 30,000 men, attempted to invade England. The English had a force of 80 ships and 12,000 men. The decisive, though inconclusive, battle took place on 19 July 1545 in the Solent strait between the Isle of Wight and England. During the battle, whilst making a sharp turn, the ship took on water through the open gun ports and sank rapidly, along with its crew of 400. The following day, 20 July, Henry VIII ordered the shipwrights to be hanged, blaming them for the disaster.
Our Mary Rose Red is an exceptionally original compass which also features a sundial inside. Its brass construction certainly adds to its character. It is a unique gift idea.
Here are a few details that may further influence your decision:
- Compass diameter: approx. 6.5 cm-
Compass height: approx. 2 cm-
Compass material: Brass-
Pouch width: approx. 9 cm-
Pouch length: approx.
9 cm- Pouch height: 3.2 cm
Free:
Leather pouch for the compass, as shown in the photo.
