What was life really like aboard The Mary Rose?

This week, prep five have been taken back 476 years to observe up close what life was like for the crew aboard The Mary Rose in 1545. 

They participated in a workshop where the pupils got to dress up as officers or sailors in Tudor costumes. We heard what daily life was like aboard the ship & learnt that The Mary Rose participated in active service for some 34 years under Henry VIII’s reign before she sank in the Solent in July 1545.

The pupils then studied some replica artefacts to those found on board and worked out what they were used for. We learnt that the two social classes were dependent upon one another for the successful running of a battle ship. 

In the early afternoon we were lucky enough to be escorted around The Mary Rose Museum by a guide who was instrumental in the raising of the ship some 39 years ago. 

The ship herself is mesmerising and the ingenious way you can walk along each deck floor & see the actual artefacts to the left that match the room to the right makes for a hands on & memorable experience. 

Next year will be the 40th anniversary of the raising of The Mary Rose & lots of celebrations are planned.