BattlefieldsBattle of Portsmouth — Land Defence Against French Fleet 1545
Tudor

Battle of Portsmouth — Land Defence Against French Fleet 1545

1545
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Portsmouth land battle 1545 · Defence of Portsmouth against French 1545 · Spithead land engagement 1545
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
French landing parties
Forces
French: fleet of c.235 vessels with c.30,000 troops aboard
VS
Victor
England (crown forces)
Forces
English: fleet of 80 ships; land forces of c.12,000 men at Portsmouth
Outcome
French fleet of roughly 235 vessels under Admiral Claude d Annebault attempted to land troops on the Hampshire coast; English land forces and fort garrisons repelled French landing parties; Mary Rose foundered during naval engagement; Henry VIII observed the battle from Southsea Castle
The Battle

History & Significance

The attempted French invasion of 1545 was the most serious direct threat to England since the Spanish Armada in 1588. The French fleet was the largest ever assembled against England and Henry VIII was present at Southsea Castle as the battle unfolded. The land battle at Portsmouth saw English troops under Lord Russell and Viscount Lisle repel French landing parties on the Solent shore. The sinking of the Mary Rose during the engagement was a catastrophic loss of one of England most powerful warships.

Casualties & Losses

English: c.500 on Mary Rose alone; French landing parties driven off with losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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