The Mary Rose, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Henry VIII’s war ship, The Mary Rose sank in Portsmouth Harbour in 1545 and it wasn’t until 1982 that she was raised, and today you can see the hull at this fascinating museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyards. Find out all about life on board the ship and see artefacts salvaged from the wreck; nearly 30,000 dives recovered over 19,000 items, amongst them tools, medicines, wooden dishes, pewter tankards, leather shoes and jerkins, all incredibly well preserved after lying for hundreds of years in the silt on the sea bed. There are some truly fascinating exhibits of Tudor maritime history – imagine seeing a backgammon set and musical instruments that are over 500 years old! You can even see the skeleton of the ship’s dog, affectionately nicknamed Hatch by the team at the museum. Honestly, go, take the family, it’s incredible.
Open: Mon-Mar 10.00 am-5.00pm Apr-Oct 10.00 am-5.30 pm Closed 24-26 Dec
T: 02392 812931 All information correct at the time of writing