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Tertulia July 2025

  • Writer: Andrew Starr
    Andrew Starr
  • Jul 13
  • 21 min read

Updated: Jul 18

This is the blog post for English classes and local tours for the Italian group for July 2025.

A shortened link is rebrand.ly/ttit25

One way to improve your English in Italy is to immerse yourself in the English language for at least a few hours per week.



Listening to the radio is an everyday activity, and watching TV is another popular pastime, especially when possible. Much of the BBC and similar companies' output is blocked outside the UK.




English at C1


Local Information


To help you with English Pronunciation

Dearest Creature in Creation - a wonderful poem written by a Dutchman about the intricacies of English pronunciation.


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Thursday, July 17th



IELTS Reading Comprehension: Portsmouth and Duisburg

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-3, which are based on the Reading Passage below.

A Tale of Two Cities: Portsmouth and Duisburg's Enduring Partnership

The cities of Portsmouth, a prominent port on England's south coast, and Duisburg, a major industrial and logistics hub in Germany's Ruhr region, might at first glance appear to be vastly different. One is defined by its maritime heritage and island geography, the other by its inland waterways and industrial might. Yet, despite these apparent contrasts, their relationship as twin cities has flourished for over 70 years, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for cross-cultural understanding and mutual benefit.


The twinning agreement, established in 1950, emerged from the post-war spirit of reconciliation and a shared desire to build bridges between nations. Both cities had endured significant hardship during the Second World War, experiencing extensive bombing and the profound disruption of daily life. This shared experience of adversity provided a poignant foundation for a partnership focused on peace, recovery, and future cooperation.


Initially, the focus of the twinning was on humanitarian aid and cultural exchange. Portsmouth residents sent much-needed supplies to Duisburg, which was grappling with the immense task of rebuilding its infrastructure and communities. Over time, the relationship evolved to encompass a broader range of activities, including educational programmes, sporting events, and professional exchanges. Students from both cities regularly participate in exchange visits, gaining invaluable insights into different educational systems and cultures.


Economically, the partnership has facilitated various initiatives, though perhaps less directly impactful on large-scale trade than the ferry links Portsmouth has with its French counterparts. Instead, the economic benefits often manifest through shared best practices in urban regeneration, logistics, and port management. Duisburg's expertise in inland port operations, for instance, has offered valuable perspectives for Portsmouth as it considers the future development of its own commercial port facilities.


Today, the Portsmouth-Duisburg twinning stands as a testament to the power of sustained international collaboration. It underscores how cities, regardless of their primary economic drivers or geographical characteristics, can forge deep and meaningful connections that enrich the lives of their citizens and foster a greater sense of European unity. The bond, rooted in a challenging past, continues to thrive through ongoing dialogue and a commitment to shared prosperity.


Questions 1-3

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?

In boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet, write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this


  1. The twinning agreement between Portsmouth and Duisburg was primarily established to boost large-scale trade between the two cities.

  2. Both Portsmouth and Duisburg suffered significant damage during the Second World War.

  3. Students from Portsmouth and Duisburg only participate in exchange visits focused on cultural immersion, not academic learning.


Venice and Portsmouth are Europe's 2 Island cities, both have cruise ships (Venice significantly more) Venice has so many tourists that it has introduced a tourism tax and banned Cruise ships from entering at certain points in the year. Cruises to Venice


IELTS Academic Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Tourism is a vital industry for many countries, bringing significant economic benefits. However, it can also lead to challenges such as environmental degradation and cultural erosion. Compare and contrast the impact of tourism in two distinct European countries, the United Kingdom and Italy, considering both the advantages and disadvantages it brings to these nations.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Guidance for the Task:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic of tourism and its dual nature (benefits vs. challenges). State your intention to compare and contrast its impact in the UK and Italy.

  • Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages): Discuss the economic and cultural advantages of tourism for both the United Kingdom and Italy. Think about specific attractions (e.g., historical sites, natural landscapes) and how they contribute to the economy and cultural exchange.

  • Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages): Explore the negative impacts of tourism on both countries. Consider issues like overcrowding, strain on infrastructure, environmental damage, and potential loss of local authenticity. Provide examples for each country where applicable.

  • Comparison/Contrast: Throughout your body paragraphs, ensure you are explicitly comparing and contrasting the situations in the UK and Italy. Are the challenges similar or different? Do they handle them in similar or different ways?

  • Conclusion: Summarise your main points and offer a final thought on the balance between tourism's benefits and drawbacks for these nations. You might suggest potential solutions or future outlooks.

  • Language: Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate for a C1 level. Ensure clarity, coherence, and cohesion in your writing.


Issues for C1 Listening... (Possibly)

UK Regional Accents - Some Listening Elements at C1/C2, as well as B2, can be developed using regional and international accents of English. (The C1 Listening Q1 you did certainly has UK regional accents, plus NYC, California and Australia.


Here are some of the UK's most distinct accents. However, firstly...

A television advertisement...

Welsh

Glaswegian

Liverpool

Newcastle

West Country

London (has many, see the advertisement above), but this is probably the most famous.


Song - Newport State of Mind - The Welsh Accent


No-one has really made anything with a Portsmouth accent of any note.

Wednesday, July 16th

What happened to David Robillard?

Is it possible to compare Bari and Barry?


Speaking Part 2

Describe a time when you met someone you had admired for a long time.

You should say:

  • who you met

  • when and where you met this person

  •  what you thought about this person when you first met

and explain to what extent you still admire this person now you have met them.


Describe something you own which is very important to you.

You should say:

  • where you got it from

  • how long you have had it

  • what you use it for

and explain why it is important to you.


Describe a tourist attraction in your country that you would recommend.

You should say:

  • what the tourist attraction is

  • where in your country this tourist attraction is

  • what visitors can see and do at this tourist attraction

  • and explain why you would recommend this tourist attraction.


Remember:

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.


Speaking Part 3


Two-way discussion

Human Values

Let’s consider first of all how people’s values have changed.

• What kind of things give status to people in your country?

• Have things changed since your parents’ time?

Finally, let’s talk about the role of advertising.

• Do you think advertising influences what people buy?


Museums and art galleries

  • What are the most popular museums and art galleries in … / where you live?

  • Do you think that all museums and art galleries should be open to the public without charge?

  • What kinds of things make a museum or art gallery an interesting place to visit?


The holiday industry

  • Why, do you think, do some people book package holidays rather than travelling independently?

  • Would you say that large numbers of tourists cause problems for local people?

  • What sort of impact can large holiday resorts have on the environment?




IELTS Reading Comprehension: Portsmouth and Caen

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-3, which are based on the Reading Passage below.

The Enduring Entente: Portsmouth and Caen's Trans-Channel Ties

The maritime cities of Portsmouth, England, and Caen, France, separated by the English Channel, share a history far more intertwined than their geographical distance might suggest. For centuries, their destinies have been shaped by a reciprocal exchange of culture, commerce, and conflict, forging an enduring bond that transcends mere proximity.


Historically, the Norman Conquest of 1066 laid the foundational stones of this connection. William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and later King of England, launched his invasion from the Norman coast, not far from present-day Caen. This pivotal event initiated a period of Anglo-Norman influence that profoundly impacted English language, law, and architecture, with echoes still discernible in both regions.


In more recent times, the Channel has become a conduit for peaceful exchange. The modern ferry routes between Portsmouth and Ouistreham (Caen's port) are not merely logistical arteries for trade and tourism; they symbolise a continuous dialogue. Thousands of passengers and vast quantities of goods traverse this route annually, underpinning significant economic benefits for both cities. Portsmouth, with its historic dockyard and naval heritage, and Caen, a vibrant administrative and commercial hub in Normandy, both leverage this connectivity to bolster their respective economies.


However, the shared narrative is not solely one of prosperity and cultural fusion. The Second World War cast a long shadow, particularly over Caen, which suffered extensive destruction during the Battle of Normandy. Portsmouth, a key embarkation point for the D-Day landings, also played a crucial role in the liberation efforts. This shared experience of wartime sacrifice and the subsequent rebuilding efforts further cemented a sense of solidarity and mutual respect between the communities.


Today, the relationship extends beyond the utilitarian. Educational exchanges, cultural festivals, and twinning initiatives actively foster deeper understanding and friendship among their citizens. These contemporary efforts ensure that the historical threads connecting Portsmouth and Caen continue to weave a rich tapestry, demonstrating how two nations, once adversaries, can cultivate a profound and mutually beneficial cross-channel partnership.


Questions 1-3

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?

In boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet, write:

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this


  1. The Norman Conquest of 1066 was the primary historical event that initiated the connection between Portsmouth and Caen.

  2. The modern ferry routes between Portsmouth and Ouistreham are exclusively used for transporting tourists.

  3. Both Portsmouth and Caen experienced significant destruction during the Second World War.

Tuesday, July 15th

Instead of being in a classroom today, we will conduct our learning outside.

You should make notes (or audio recordings) and take lots of photos so you can create presentations on certain aspects of your choice from what you see this morning.


Tour of Portsmouth North (Portsdown Hill and Hilsea Lines)

We will meet first by 9:30 (you need to plan your bus travel).


The George Inn - Portsmouth Bus Stop (Bus Route 7, - 8 & 20 also stop nearby)

Bus Number 8 - Clanfield leaves The Hard at 8:50 and arrives at 9:25

from the city centre (near to the catholic cathedral - it leaves at 8;55)

  • We will walk to the Portsdown Hill viewpoint, where we can conduct a short nature study and take in the panoramic view of Portsmouth and the central southern coast of England.


The Hilsea Lido by around 11:00. (Bus Route 7, 8, 20, 2, 3, 18, 20, 23, 700)

  • We will conduct a short tour of Hilsea Lines (the sea wall and the lido are being rebuilt). Hilsea Nature

  • We will also pay a visit to the Casemates Studios Café built into the bastion ramparts of Hilsea Lines (There is also a World War One Memorial Museum up there, but that is a long way to go!)

    ree

Monday, July 14th

N.B. - See above for the itinerary for tomorrow's outdoor visit (let's hope for ok weather).

Describing a bar chart


UK Prime Ministers (see the cats' folder) image


Having reviewed your essays on the Millennium Promenade, I have one suggestion that could further improve them.

For C1 level English writing task 2, effective paragraph starters can significantly enhance the flow and clarity of your essay. Here are some useful phrases categorised for different purposes: 

Introducing a new point:

  • "A further consideration is..."

  • "Moreover, it is worth noting that..."

  • "In addition to this..."

  • "Furthermore, one must also consider..."

  • "Beyond this..." 

Providing examples:

"For instance,..., "As an example,..., "To illustrate this point,..., "A case in point is..., and "Specifically,....

Contrasting ideas:

"Conversely,..., "On the other hand,..., "However,..., "In contrast,..., and "Alternatively,.... 

Adding emphasis:

"What is more,..., "Indeed,..., "It is important to note that..., "It is crucial to remember that..., and "Above all,....

Summarising or concluding:

"In conclusion,..., "To summarise,..., "Therefore,..., "Thus,..., and "Ultimately,....


Remember the general idea for Task 2 would be...


Introduction + your opinion/ your viewpoint/ what you think about the statement/ whether you agree or disagree/ main advantages or disadvantages  +

2nd paragraph with an example, and/or explanation, and/or evidence ( and/or extra details)  +

3rd paragraph with an example, and/or explanation, and/or evidence ( and/or extra details)  +

(4th paragraph with an example, and/or explanation, and/or evidence ( and/or extra details)  +

................. ................. ................. .................)

Conclusion + restating the main point of your discussion/ your position on the issue/ proposing a solution.


Further useful phrases in writing task 2 - but remember you are still only writing about 250 words for your task.

Useful vocabulary/phrases to open/start the essay:

Many/some people claim/believe that/are of the opinion that...

There is no denying that...

It is often said that...

These days.../ Nowadays.../ In this day and age...

It goes without saying that...

It is universally accepted that...

We live in an age when many of us are...

People are divided in their opinion regarding....... is one of the most important issues...

Whether .... or .... is a controversial issue...


Useful vocabulary/phrases to end the Introduction part:

Let us examine both views before reaching a concrete decision.

The following paragraphs discuss whether ...... or ...... and reach a reasonable conclusion.

The following essay examines both sides of the argument.

My money is on...

However, I firmly believe that...

I disagree with this view, and my reasons will be explained in the following paragraphs.

I will support this view with arguments in the following paragraphs.

Personally, I believe that...

Thus, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages...

I wholeheartedly believe that this trend should be changed.

I thoroughly back...


Vocabulary for the opinion part: 

According to the essay types (learn what the IELTS essay types are), use one of the following connective words/ linking phrases to write down your opinion.


However, remember that if the question does not ask you to give your opinion but to compare advantages and disadvantages, then you should not strongly express your opinion. An opinion should only be written for opinion essays.  


In my opinion...

I strongly believe that...

I strongly agree with the idea that...

I strongly disagree with the given topic...

I think...

My opinion is that...

Personally speaking...

In my view...

I believe...

Apparently...

Personally speaking...

According to me...

From my point of view... (N.B. Not 'In my point of view')

As far as I am concerned...

From my perspective...

I realise...

To my way of thinking...

It seems to me that...

To me...To my mind...

My own view on the matter is...

It appears that...

I feel that...

I understand...

I suppose...


Speaking

The weekend

  • What did you do at the weekend?

  • What do you usually do at the weekend?

  • What would you like to do at the weekend, particularly if money were no object?

  • How did you find the game of cricket last Friday?


Pets

  • Do you have any pets?

  • Do you like animals in general?

  • What animal is your favourite?

  • Are pets popular in Italy?

  • Did you have a pet when you were younger?

  • Why do people have pets?



Shopping

  • Do you like shopping?

  • Which shop is your favourite?

  • Which is best... shopping alone or with others?

  • What kind of shops are there near your home? Are they similar to Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth City Centre, or Southsea, or nothing like them?

  • Do you shop online?

  • Do men and women have different opinions on shopping?



Culture Club - The War Song

A good way to improve your English pronunciation and understanding is to practise using song lyrics...



Friday, July 11th


Writing Task 2

It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; therefore, it should be provided in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

220-260 words






Thursday, July 10th Files

Various C1 Practice Tasks. We will do one or two of these today/over the next few days.




Files for you to work through in your research time/self-study

Listening (Requires online access) (Different in that it plays the recording twice)



Culture

Remembrance Day (United Kingdom - The Sunday nearest November 11th)

Also, June 6th and June 14th (especially Portsmouth)


Wednesday, July 9th* - (with another leader - working on a translation, research and writing exercise)


Extra:

Prepare a written and spoken (3 to 5-minute long) presentation in English of a tourist destination near your home in Italy. If you all live in the same district, you should choose a wider selection of interesting places to present.

Alternatively, you could prepare a three- to four-minute segment about the new foods you've tried while in Portsmouth.

You could work in pairs as long as you both present using the correct timings.


Translate your chosen sections of the Millennium Walk Guide.


Tuesday, July 8th

Traditional Food and drink of the United Kingdom

Prepare a three to four-minute presentation in English about at least one famous person from Portsmouth.

Alternatively, you could prepare a three- to four-minute segment about the new foods you've tried while in Portsmouth.

The Pub Menu...

The Fleet (Opposite the Park Building of the University of Portsmouth)


Traditional English Foods

The Full English Breakfast

Something for toast

British Council Text  British Council Questions  (Eating at a Restaurant)


The Roast Dinner (The Sunday Roast) Toby Carvery

Paddington Bear Meets the Queen.



We looked at the Traditional English Breakfast. However, as I said, for most British people, breakfast is just a bowl of cereal or some Toast.

 

A comedy song from the 1970s about Toast...

 Lyrics to the song are here... Lots of vocabulary to talk about bread and breakfast! The use of 'me' instead of 'my' is everyday among spoken English in certain parts of the UK, including London.

 

He mentions an 'eggy soldier'. Can you recall what I said about a soldier in the context of breakfast?


Monday, July 7th

Instead of being in a classroom today, we will conduct our learning outside.

You should make notes (or audio recordings) and take lots of photos so you can create presentations on certain aspects of your choice from what you see this morning.


You will work on translating parts of the guide on Wednesday, along with embarking upon a further task for your final lessons here.

Walking Tour and outdoor lesson - The Millennium Walk (partial)

Admiral Lord Nelson - The Battle of Trafalgar (Brief History - HMS Victory)

John Pounds  (depending on how long we take, it is possible we may see this part of the city too)

The founder of the ragged schools.

The Duke of Buckingham and John Felton - King Charles 1 (whose bust is in old Portsmouth)


Friday, July 4th

Spoken Presentations (Written and researched before) Natural Reader to help pronunciation


For next week on Friday, you should prepare a further spoken presentation on a different theme from the one you delivered today. It can come from anything we have looked at this week or will look at on Monday or Tuesday (including today's materials).


For submission next Friday, you can do a written presentation about the place you saw on Monday's tour that you wanted to portray the most.


On Wednesday, you will work on the translation of the Millennium Promenade notes into Italian.


Then you will write an introduction to the idea of the self-guided Millennium Promenade in a C1 standard of English.


You need to choose an aspect of something you saw on Monday, and present it in great detail as if you are working for the BBC travel programme Coast's website, describing the city of Portsmouth from the point of view of an Italian tourist and giving a detailed account of an aspect therein.


Remember to use the Millennium Walk Guide. Choose something from here.


Here are some ideas as to how you can set out your written review.

  • You need to answer the question with between 220 and 260 words.

  • In the text, you need to analyse a question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal/formal text and should be impartial until the conclusion.

  • What the examiner wants to see is a balanced argument that is both interesting and easy to read.


Below is an ideal structure for your written task.

1. Introduction


Present and develop the essay question in your introduction

2. Main content: Paragraphs 1-2


Describe the first point/argument from the notes (most important)


Describe the second point/argument from the notes.

3. Conclusion


A summary of what you have said.


What is the question?


You have visited the city of Portsmouth and completed the Millennium Promenade walk with a city guide.


  • To what extent do you agree with the idea that this walk demonstrates some of the most interesting aspects of the city's history with an easy-to-follow structure?

  • Which aspect or aspects of the millennium promenade would you recommend to visitors of the city to investigate further, and why is this?

  • Is there anything else you would like to add to encourage people to visit this part of the city?


CEFR C1

  • Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.

  • Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

  • Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

  • Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.


C1 - In italiano

  • Comprendo una vasta gamma di testi lunghi e impegnativi e riconosco le sfumature di significato.

  • So esprimere le idee in modo spontaneo e scorrevole senza troppa difficoltà nell’uso delle espressioni.

  • So usare il linguaggio in modo flessibile ed efficace per scopi sociali, accademici e professionali.

  • So produrre testi chiari, ben strutturati e dettagliati su argomenti complessi, mostrando competenza nell’uso di modelli organizzativi, dei connettori e degli elementi di coesione.



Once all the above is complete, if there is time, we can look at ...

Today is July 4th. In the USA, it is their national holiday. In Canada, that day is July 1st. In France, July 14th... These countries usually celebrate with fireworks. There is no national holiday in the United Kingdom.

However...

Specifically British Festivals


Thursday, July 3rd

Prepare a three to four-minute presentation in English about at least one famous person from Portsmouth.


Local authors

Nevil Shute (He designed the Horsa gliders that landed in Normandy in 1944 on D-Day)

Sir Francis Austen (brother of Jane Austen)

Life of Charles Dickens


Local Musicians

Mick Jones, founder of Foreigner


Local actors


People of note

John Pounds, founder of the ragged school

Hertha Ayrton, scientist and Suffragette

William Wyllie - Watercolour artist, Old Portsmouth Tower House


Infamous


Regional - Stonehenge & Salisbury

Stonehenge - a World Heritage Site

This has a Computer Generated Voice with a US Accent.

Song for today

Wednesday, July 2nd

British Council IELTS Practice Papers - For those who want extra practice.


Song for the day - What's the weather doing? (A British Obsession). -

Culture - The British Obsession with the Weather.

Southampton and The Titanic Disaster

April 1912 was a major historical tragedy that marked the UK, Ireland, France, the USA, and Canada. - The sinking of the Titanic

Reading Activities in Files

Theme song from the film 'Titanic'

Céline is French Canadian, but the song is in English and made for the film dedicated to this historic tragedy, featuring many people who were from Portsmouth and Southampton - the workers on board, most of whom perished in the icy Atlantic Ocean.


Tuesday, July 1st

TELC C1 Listening Paper - This is so you can have a taste of the C1 LEvel - I would hope to get the marks back to you by Thursday and we can see what issues are raised.


History (linking to Portsmouth - most likely carried over from Monday, June 30th).

e.g. King Henry VIII - (Southsea Castle) and his six wives... Files


Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (We will focus on authors more next week)

Rudyard Kipling

Charles Dickens (John Pounds)


Pronunciation and Grammar 

  •  -ough is undoubtedly tough, so much so that it makes you cough while mixing your thoughts, making it rather rough.

Copied from the above-linked website:


How many can you say correctly?


"The wind was rough along the lough as the ploughman fought through snow that was up to his horse’s houghs, and though he hiccoughed and coughed, he thought only of his work, determined to be thorough."



We can examine the connections that Portsmouth has with the rest of the world.


Twin Cities 

What do you know about...

Duisburg, Germany

What about...

Caen, France?


Sister Cities

Haifa, Israel

Portsmouth, Virginia, USA

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA

Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA,

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sydney, The Falkland Islands

Zhuhai, China

Zhangjiang, China

Maizuru, Japan

Sydney, Australia

Lakewood, Colorado, USA

Sylhet, Bangladesh

Valetta, Malta




What sort of weather do we have today?

What was the weather like yesterday?

What is the forecast for tomorrow and the weekend?


"Lovely weather we are having today, aren't we?"

"We're having terrible weather today, aren't we?"


"Isn't the weather awful today?"

"Isn't the weather terrible today?"


All of those will require some sort of response. If you get a shrug or an uninterested response, your conversation will not proceed, but it will most often proceed.


Monday, June 30th

City of Portsmouth Orientation - Course Introduction PPT

Keeping a Journal

(What did you learn today, what did you see, what did you do? - What was new? What did you find very unusual or different? Why?)

Do you have a notebook? (or something similar on your devices where you can keep notes?)

This will help with your spoken presentations and written reports...


What is there to see and do in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth Intro Presentation. Further videos and information can be found here 

Main (paid) attractions

The Historic Dockyard - There are 11+ attractions on this site. However, there are three main ships.

HMS Warrior from 1860 (Queen Victoria's Navy)

Launched in 1860 as the world's first iron-hulled warship, HMS Warrior was once the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet. Now permanently docked in Portsmouth Harbour, she stands as a stunning testament to Victorian engineering and maritime heritage.

HMS Victory from 1765 (King George III)

HMS Victory was launched on May 7, 1765, and has been a commissioned Royal Navy warship ever since, according to the National Museum of the Royal Navy. She is the oldest commissioned warship in the world and is currently the flagship of the First Sea Lord. 


Significance: 

  • HMS Victory was launched at Chatham Dockyard.

  • The ship was commissioned for active service in March 1778.

  • She participated in several significant battles, including the Battle of Trafalgar.

  • HMS Victory has been a tourist attraction since 1823.

  • The ship is currently docked at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.


The Mary Rose, From 1511 to 1545

Did you think that the Mary Rose sank on her maiden voyage? Think again… The Mary Rose was built in 1510-11 at the start of Henry VIII's reign and was one of his favourite ships for 34 years, until it sank in 1545, off the coast of Southsea Castle, after a major refit and relaunch.


Here is some background information on Mary Rose, available in both English and Italian.

D-Day (Cultural and Political History) D-Day Story - Overlord Embroidery

Constructed at the behest of King Henry VIII to protect the Solent from a possible invasion by the French and the Holy Roman Empire. This happened in July 1545. The Battle of the Solent saw the sinking of the Mary Rose.

The world's only year-round public transport hovercraft service.


The Resort of Southsea

Eastney Beach West

South Parade

Castle Fields

Avenue De Caen

 


 Portsmouth Museum looks like this... The Hard Bus Station is probably the easiest one to get to. Otherwise, buses 700, 23 and 3 run to Cambridge Road and Museum Road.

ree

A classic piece of music titled "Portsmouth"

Instrumental - initially published in 1701. This version was number 3 in the UK charts in 1976.

From the seafront, you can see the Isle of Wight...

This Italian song is all about the Isle of Wight Festival (from 1968,69,70).

It still happens every year in June.

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EXTRA:

What do you know about English Literature?

Which Authors have you heard of? Who did I go to school with?  

She was Head Girl at my school when I was 11. Link  Link 

She lived in this house in Tutshill, Chepstow.

ree

Further Work on Authors

The Coronation of King Charles III (Files) 








Final Words

Now that your course is complete, you can still access this page for a time. It will only be removed should the need for space on the server arise.

 

For more on my work, you can access my business and voluntary websites here:

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