The Story of the Mary Rose
From the depths of the Solent to Portsmouth Dockyard, the Mary Rose has had a long and compelling journey.
Built in 1510 and launched in 1511, the iconic Mary Rose served Henry VIII for an impressive 34 years. In 1545, she sank dramatically while protecting England from a French invasion fleet, disappearing into the depths of history until 1971, when the legendary wreck was rediscovered by a team of divers led by the late Alexander McKee.
This discovery sparked an extraordinary underwater archaeology project, with hundreds of divers working relentlessly to recover the Mary Rose and bring her back to the surface. The unforgettable moment when the ship finally emerged from the waters on October 11, 1982, is still etched in the memories of all who witnessed it.
Following her recovery, the Mary Rose was transported to her permanent home at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where intensive conservation work began. For years, the ship was carefully sprayed with water, and later with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), a water-soluble wax. Today, the Mary Rose stands as a lasting testament to Britain’s naval heritage, drawing visitors from around the world to experience her remarkable story.
The conservation process took over 30 years to complete, and today, the Mary Rose is proudly reunited with some of her artefacts. Together, they tell the powerful stories of the people who lived, worked, and perished aboard the ship. The Mary Rose also stands as a tribute to the dedicated individuals who tirelessly worked to bring her back to the surface, preserving a piece of history for future generations to explore and admire.
