Many people are amazed at all the things there are to see and do in ports along the English Channel—truly remarkable museums, historical sites, and attractions. Here's one that's been in the news recently.

In 1510 Henry VIII ordered the building of an impressive flagship, the Mary Rose, to help defend England against the ever-present threats posed by the Scottish and French navies. In service for 34 years, she sank during an engagement with a French invasion fleet—larger than the Spanish Armada—in 1545. The wreck was discovered in 1971 and carefully raised in 1982. Now in the final stages of conservation, she is taking a place of honor in a stunning new museum in Portsmouth. In addition to the ship, some 19,000 artifacts are on display. There are of course several other historic tall ships to see in Portsmouth, including HMS Warrior and HMS Victory. But the Mary Rose is one of a kind. You'll find an extremely interesting BBC piece here and the official website at www.maryrose.org.