The Crew - Page 1 of 2

The Mary Rose was not only a purpose built warship, but a ship that, for much of her active career, also acted as flagship or vice-flagship of the fleet. As well as the crew that could normally be expected to be found on a Tudor warship of her size, she also carried either the “Lord High Admiral” or a vice-admiral.¹

The post of Lord High Admiral was granted to a senior member of the aristocracy, while the post of vice-admiral was generally filled by a lesser member. While sea-going experience was not an essential requirement for the more senior post, it is interesting to note that Sir Edward Howard, his brother Thomas, Lord Howard (appointed to the position on Edwards’s death) and John Dudley, Viscount Lisle, all had experience in commanding ships prior to their appointments. Sir John Dudley (before he became Viscount Lisle) had served as viceadmiral in 1536-7, with Sir George Carew captaining another ship in his flotilla.

The Mary Rose served as flagship in both Henry’s first and second wars against France. In 1512-13 she was commanded by Sir Edward Howard. Thomas, Lord Howard, used her as his flagship in both 1513-14 and again in 1522.

While the position of Lord High Admiral was permanent, that of vice-admiral was a temporary appointment, usually for the duration of a campaign. The Mary Rose acted as vice-flagship in Henry’s second war against France with Sir William Fitzwilliam filling the post of vice-admiral during 1522. He had previously served as captain of the Mary Rose (1513) and would later become Lord High Admiral(1536). Sir George Carew was appointed vice-admiral shortly before the ship went into battle for the last time in July 1545.

Captains of the Mary Rose were appointed from the gentry and minor aristocracy. The captain was in overall command of the ship and her crew, as well as the soldiers carried on board.

¹ The actual title varies between contemporary documents. For instance, the Grant to Sir Edward Howard [Grants in 1512 (11), RO] describes the post as “admiral of England, Ireland and Acquitane.” A grant of 1513 [Grants in March 1513 (40), RO] adds Wales, Normandy and Gascony to the title. In 1543 Henry VIII appointed John Dudley, Viscount Lisle to the post of High Admiral of England [Add MS. 32,649 f. 24. BM]. Another document [Grants in 34 Hen VIII (104), RO] describes the office as that of “Great Admiral.”