As it offers an unparalleled window into Tudor England, the Mary Rose Museum is often utilised as a location for television crews from all across the world.

Singer and presenter, Toyah Wilcox, was the latest to visit, along with a BBC Education film unit, to record as part of a national series entitled 'English Express'. Working in conjunction with the Government's New Literacy Strategy, it is an educational series for 9-11 year olds, aimed at encouraging them to read.

A centre of excellence for education and life-long learning, the museum was the obvious choice set for a section about the Tudor Barber-surgeon.

As part of the filming, Toyah tackled the two-deck reconstruction of the hull, donned a Barber-surgeon's hat and brought history alive with a selection of replica artefacts within his cabin.

It is due to be transmitted on BBC2 at 11:30am on both the 14th and 18th February 2000 and the BBC is sure it will be popular with both teachers and pupils.

Toyah Wilcox & Henry VIII