Mary Rose

The only surviving 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world, the Mary Rose was one of the earliest ships to carry heavy guns. 

She was a favourite of King Henry VIII and  sank off Portsmouth in 1545 during an engagement with a French invasion fleet, in full view of the King, the screams of the men onboard, ringing in his ears.

The rediscovery of the Mary Rose during the 1970s and her raising in 1982 were seminal events in the history of maritime archaeology, watched by a worldwide audience of over 60 million people and remembered by a generation.

Visitors can view the exceptional collection of thousands of personal, domestic and military objects in the Mary Rose Museum.  Costumed interpreters, regular tours and on-going events ensure visitors get the very most from their visit. 

The hull of the Mary Rose, which is currently undergoing an active conservation process to preserve her for all time, can be viewed by the visiting public in the ship hall, which is a short walk from the Museum.

However, visitors are advised that the ship hall is likely to close from mid-September 2009 as construction starts on a new £35 million museum. 

 

Although withdrawn from general view, the hull of the Mary Rose will continue to be interpreted in the current Museum which will remain fully open throughout the construction phase and will not be affected by building work. 

 

Included amongst the plans for making the hull as visible as possible is a new introductory film; time lapse photography; a real-time film link to the ship hall and enhanced displays.

 

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"The Mary Rose is both a spooky monument and a time machine. If you have children who will grow up before the new museum opens, make sure you take the final chance for some time to see one of Britain's seven wonders." - Jonathan Jones - The Guardian - March 2009.

 

*** Special Offer - 1/2 price entry to Southsea Castle ***

Celebrating Henry VIII's 500th anniversary, a delightful Tudor Pageant in conjunction with Portsmouth Festivities from the Historic Dockyard to Southsea Castle in June and a touring exhibition (Henry VIII: Man and Monarch) direct from the British Library in December.

Come aboard today to visit the Mary Rose and receive half price entry to Southsea Castle*

*1/2 PRICE entry voucher to Southsea Castle is available on 1 of 4 tickets purchased at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.