When was Henry Grace à God built and where?
Henry Grace à Dieu rose from timber and iron at Old Woolwich Gun Wharf between 1512 and 1514. This specific wharf later became the foundation for Woolwich Dockyard itself.
Questions about Henry Grace à Dieu
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many guns did Henry Grace à Dieu carry after modifications in 1539?
The new form carried 151 guns of varying sizes including 21 bronze pieces following substantial remodelling at Erith in 1539. Early versions included gunports which were rare features for vessels of that era before these changes.
What happened to Henry Grace à Dieu on the 25th of August 1553?
The ship burned accidentally at Woolwich on the 25th of August 1553. Fire destroyed the vessel fifty days after Edward VI died on the 6th of July 1553.
Why did Henry VIII order a new flagship like Henry Grace à Dieu in 1512?
Naval rivalry with Scotland drove the project after the Great Michael launched in 1511. Henry VIII needed a counterweight to that massive Scottish warship to dominate the English Channel through sheer size.
Did Henry Grace à Dieu see combat during the Battle of Solent in 1545?
Henry Grace à Dieu participated in the Battle of Solent against French forces in 1545 but served primarily as a diplomatic flagship rather than a frontline combatant. Historical records show she rarely fired broadsides in actual battle situations.