Henry VIII: Man and Monarch at the Mary Rose Museum

The British Library’s major exhibition on Henry VIII will be touring to the Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from 12th December – 17th January, celebrating 500 years since his accession to the throne and of course 500 years since the commissioning of the Mary Rose!

Henry VIII is not only England’s best-known king, with his wives, his girth and his bloodthirstiness; he is also our most important single ruler. Man and Monarch highlights key moments in the life and reign of Henry VIII, showing the man behind the monarch. The exhibition will examine the extraordinary transformations - personal and political, intellectual and religious, literary, aesthetic and linguistic - that took place in Henry’s reign, taking us behind the myth and exploring the King’s own mind.

The display will be accompanied by a ‘Turning The Pages’ interactive kiosk, enabling members of the public to digitally flick through the lavish pages of Henry’s Psalter. Through the use of such technology, visitors will be able to read hand written notes, musings and annotations made by the great Tudor monarch. The digital display will also be accompanied by an impressive facsimile of a Two Part Double Cannon written in honour of the King and in celebration of the Tudor dynasty.

The exhibition will also be supported by a range of educational and family events including:

Talking Tudor! Drop in sessions for families
2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th January 2010
Activity times 11am-12pm and 2-4pm
Read, write and talk like the Tudors! Say ‘Good Morrow’ to a whole new way of communicating! Fun, practical activities for all ages with our costumed guides.
Free drop in event

The Life and Death of the Mary Rose – Evidence from the Archives
Tuesday 12th January 2pm & Thursday 14th January 2pm
This illustrated talk will highlight some of the key documents which shed a new light on the ship, her artefacts and life on board the Mary Rose. Contemporary letters and reports illuminate aspects of Tudor naval life including food rations, the dangers of battle, drunken sailors and even sabotage!
Free, booking essential

Roger Walsh, the British Library’s Head of Learning commented: “The British Library is delighted to be working with partners throughout the country to explore new aspects of Henry’s reign with new audiences. Henry’s impact was simultaneously national, international and local, and we hope this tour will enable visitors young and old to explore those connections for themselves.”

For more information, visit Maryrose.org or historicdockyard.co.uk.