Mary Rose

The last day in Portsmouth we went to see the Mary Rose. This was something Dad had been looking forward to for a while. The tickets are valid for a year so I think they will be back as there is so much to take in.

The Mary Rose was one of King Henry VIII's great ships. And was sunk on its first voyage. They are not sure why it sank but they think it turned too quickly and they didn't close the canon ports so they flood it. Oops. 

Henry 'in person'.

Stats.

waistcoat.

There was a section where you could hold pieces. Dad was thrilled. He got to hold a piece of the rope on the original ship. Plus a board from the ship and a canon ball. He was like a little kid.

Queen Victoria's pleasure boat.

It was a fairly short day as we were all knackered. Throughout the trip we spent the evenings in the caravans, cooking quick and easy and watching movies. And drinking wine. So basically a great way to spend an evening.

Portsmouth Historic Harbour

We stayed in a caravan on Hayling Island, just to the east of Portsmouth. The main reason for this part of the trip was to go to the historical dock yard in Portsmouth. Dad loves ships and the history so this was a no brainer. 

The first stop was the H.M.S Warrior. It was built as the biggest warship but was more of a deterrent and never fired a shot. (I am a little blood thirsty so it was a bit disappointing.)

Cat o nine tails.

The steam room was quite impressive and there was a very nice guy there who explained what went on. The job of stoking the boilers was a hot a dirty job but they worked shorter hours and were given baths every day (they got so dirty, they had too). Plus it was quite well paid so not a bad job to have.

The saddest lion I have ever seen.

Copy of the giant one in San Diego.

Second stop was Lord Nelson's H.M.S Victory, the one which was part of the battle of Waterloo. They fixed it so this is the exact ship.

Gang way.

That's a big Anchor.

And a small bed. 

Nelson had a better bed.

And the general crew got very little room

We also went on HMS M.33, a small ship used during WWII.

Lunch.

On the new, looking at the old.

Portsmouth Historic Harbour

Last week was a long one. Monday and Tuesday I was at a workshop in central London. I hate London transport; most of the time I end up walking instead of getting the tube so at least it was great for my steps. On Thursday I heard off early for my normal November trip. My ferry wasn't until 1pm so I got to Portsmouth early and spent a few hours at the Historic Harbour. I could easily have spent all day there but decided to go to the HMS Victory which was Nelson's flagship during the battle of Trafalgar. It was heavily damaged during the battle (Nelson was killed) but it managed to get repaired and returned and is the worlds oldest Navy vessel still in commission (launched in 1765). 

HMS Victory

Going onboard.

Inside

On the deck

I got there just as they opened so I was the only person on board for some time. A group of school kids did join me but stayed on the upper decks.

Giant anchor.

My inner 5yr old loved this one! (Means the back of the ship)

Comfy.

Nelson's desk (one of a few of his things onboard)

More cannons.

It is old!

Lots of rope

The decks became lower the further own you go.

From the outside.

I also had enough time to go and see the Mary Rose. It was launched in 1536 (by Henry VIII), sank in 1545, and raised in 1982. 

One of the cannons

The remains of the hull.

Puppy found outside the Carpenters cabin

Violin

The trip on the ferry over to the Isle of Wight was uneventful. The weather was nice so I got a hot chocolate and sat on the outside deck. Most people sat inside so it was very peaceful.

I stayed in Shanklin on the South East side of the island. It only takes about 30 mins to drive across the island so I got there early and went for a walk to the beach. I have been to the Isle of Wight before but it was a long time ago. But I did correctly remember the number of cliffs. The walk back up was town and hotel was steep but the view from the beach worth it.

Shanklin beach

One of the best things about going away in the winter is I am often the only one on the beach!