BattlefieldsSouthsea Castle — Muster and Garrison 1544
Tudor

Southsea Castle — Muster and Garrison 1544

1544
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Southsea Device Fort muster 1544 · Henry VIII Southsea Castle commissioning 1544
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
VS
Victor
Henry VIII (crown)
Outcome
Southsea Castle garrisoned covering the eastern approach to Portsmouth harbour; Henry VIII himself watched the Mary Rose sink from its ramparts the following year
The Battle

History & Significance

Southsea Castle, completed and garrisoned in 1544, was the last of the major Device Forts to be built and the one most directly associated with the 1545 crisis. Henry VIII watched the engagement with the French fleet and the sinking of the Mary Rose from the castle walls. Its position guarding the eastern entrance to Portsmouth harbour made it the critical land anchor of the Portsmouth naval base defences.

Casualties & Losses

None in fort itself 1544

Forces Involved

Substantial garrison with heavy artillery; directly adjacent to the King when the Mary Rose foundered

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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