Mary Rose

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.

The hull of the Mary Rose is currently withdrawn from public view as part of a £35 million heritage project to build an internationally-renowned museum.  The ship, together with a recreation of the boat’s missing side, will next be open to the public in 2012, when she will be housed in a brand new boat-shaped museum.
 
However, the existing Mary Rose Museum, located right by the entrance to the Historic Dockyard, will remain open until 2012. Having been nationally recognised as a ‘Family Friendly Museum’, this attraction is a must-see in its own right.

Visitors can view the exceptional collection of thousands of personal, domestic and military objects in the Mary Rose Museum.  What’s more we have a new introductory film, specially narrated by TV historian Dan Snow, new exhibits, enhanced displays and a personal interpretation of the ship by experienced guides guarantees that you will really enjoy your visit.

The Mary Rose 500 appeal has been launched. Click here to view the appeal video. 

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