Match-Craft 'The Mary Rose' matchstick construction kit

Matchstick models are great fun, and offer an exciting challenge and creative hobby for all the family.

Kit includes:

• Matchsticks
• Cardboard cut-out formers
• Stickers
• Glue
• Full instructions

Approx finished length: 406mm long x 140mm wide x 318mm high

History

The Mary Rose was the proud flagship of King Henry VIII's fleet and sank off Portsmouth in 1545. Why it sunk still remains a mystery to this day! Not a shot was fired and she heeled over when hoisting sail to lead the British Navy of 60 ships against the French invasion fleet of 230 ships just off Spithead.

Launched in 1510, tonnage 600 tons, she was fitted with 78 guns (7 heavy bronz, 34 heavy iron and 7 light cannon), had a normal ship's complement of enarly 400 and was the pride of the Navy.

The crew consisted of 120 mariners, 251 soldiers (including a company of archers for close-quarter combat), gunners, pilots and five trumpeters.