Mary Rose is a true British icon.  The flagship of Henry VIII, she sailed throughout his reign and saw him through five and a half wives, before sinking dramatically while fighting off an attempted French invasion of Portsmouth in 1545.   Sunk in the Solent, the wreck and her contents were protected by layers of silt, ensuring that the ship and artefacts were remarkably well preserved.  The wreck of Mary Rose and the artefacts were carefully excavated and raised between 1979 & 1982 and are now displayed in a purpose built museum in Portsmouth.  

Public connection to Mary Rose has always been strong, as Henry VIII’s favourite ship and because of the quality & volume of her collection.  This ranges from weapons to everyday working tools, games & instruments to shoes, rosaries & even the skeleton of the ship’s dog.  These give a unique insight into life at all levels of society in Tudor times.

But how did we get Mary Rose from Seabed to Showcase?  How did we use the latest scientific techniques to determine what conservation treatments would preserve the ship and artefacts for future generations?  How did we use sports science and DNA analysis to discover and tell the personal stories of the men who perished so tragically on that dramatic day?

Helen Bonser-Wilton, Chief Executive of Mary Rose Trust will take you on a fascinating journey through the history of Mary Rose and the dramatic story of her discovery, raising and display.  It is a story of human endeavour, passion, tenacity and determination to achieve a huge vision against the odds. 

Sail into the wonderful Tudor world of Mary Rose.