The year 2009 marks a number of significant anniversaries highlighting the Royal Navy’s lasting impression on the nation.
 
From the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s coronation and ordering the building of his favourite warship Mary Rose, to the laying of the keel – one hundred years apart – of HMS Victory in 1759 and HMS Warrior 1860 in 1859, the year is peppered with Naval-inspired events.
HMS Victory remains the most famous warship in the world and had an illustrious career, culminating in leading the fleet to victory at Trafalgar.  Her keel was laid in 1759, the year commonly dubbed Annus Mirabilis or ‘wonderful year’ because Britain won a remarkable series of victories, the greatest of which was Wolfe’s capture of Quebec.   It is likely this is why she is named Victory.

One hundred years later the keel of HMS Warrior 1860 was laid at the Thames Ironworks.  Renowned for never firing a shot in anger, she ruled the waves for a decade.

Visitors can board both ships and discover everything about living and working on these formidable fighting machines. 

Henry VIII remains one of the most significant kings and historic figures in the UK.  There will be a full programme of events to mark the 500th anniversary of his coronation and the ordering of his favourite warship the Mary Rose. The ship was famously raised from the Solent in 1982 and is now on display at the Historic Dockyard along with an unrivalled collection of Tudor artefacts.

Amongst the celebrations are plans for a Mary Rose-inspired pageant; the display of a facsimile of a letter written by Henry VIII ordering the building of the ship and a one-day lecture focusing on the inimitable monarch.

With preparatory work underway on the new Mary Rose Museum due to open in 2012, visitors will be urged to make the most of visiting the ship in the ship hall next year before autumn when it is withdrawn from public view in anticipation of construction work.
 
During the period of museum construction the ship will be interpreted in various ways so visitors can still enjoy a full and interesting visit to the Mary Rose Museum which remains fully open throughout.
Also celebrating its 250th anniversary is the famous song of praise "Heart of Oak.” Penned by the most famous actor of his time, David Garrick, the anthem is the official march of the Royal Navy and visitors can be assured that the anthem will be performed during the year.

Veterans Day in June will focus on the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War 2 and the centenary of the Fleet Air Arm.  Portsmouth’s Royal Dockyard played a monumental role in defending the nation’s shores. The Royal Naval Museum features a rich collection of artefacts and personal reflections of the conflict as part of its fascinating journey through 500 years of naval history.

Other key events taking place during 2009 at the Historic Dockyard include:
·         The continuation of the joint group package between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the other leading Portsmouth visitor attraction the Spinnaker Tower.  The scheme, which accounts for almost 10% of the group sales at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is available with a standard admission ticket to the Historic Dockyard, which includes entry to all the attractions on site and must be pre-booked.
·         A return of the popular Celebration of Steam (date to be confirmed.)  This popular event returns with a large display of steam engines, locomotives, model railways.
·         A provisional date for A Victorian Festival of Christmas has been set for 27th – 29th November (t.b.c). Group rates and accommodation offers are available.
·         Plans will be announced shortly for a multi-period re-enactment event based on the successful Dockyard 800, capturing and interpreting 800 years of history at the Royal Dockyard.
 
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to three of the most important ships ever built, Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860.  Also on site is the Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations.  The Royal Naval Museum is one of Britain’s leading maritime museums and the only museum devoted to the ships of the Royal Navy and the men and women who served in them.  Action Stations challenges visitors to test their bravery, strength, skill and brain power against interactive displays and simulators and learn about the technology behind the modern navy.
 
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard opens at 10:00am daily.  An Annual Admission Ticket is available for one year with unlimited entry to Action Stations, HMS Warrior 1860 and Royal Naval Museum and valid for one entry to HMS Victory, Mary Rose Museum and Ship Hall and Harbour Tours. It is priced at £18.50 adult, £16.50 senior, £14.00 child and £51.50 family (up to 5 members of the same family, maximum 2 adults/seniors). A Gift Aid Annual Admission ticket and single attraction tickets are also available. Visitors are welcome to visit the shops, restaurants and cafes without charge, except during special events. Please visit www.historicdockyard.co.uk    for more information on attractions, prices and events.