Mary Rose Ship Facts

The history of the Mary Rose dates back to 1509 when the ship was commissioned by King Henry VIII. Today the ship is on display and is the only original warship from the 1600s that still exists.

Crew

The Mary Rose originally had 185 soldiers on board, along with 30 gunners and 200 sailors. The number of soldiers included male archers.

Military

The main use of the Mary Rose was as a military ship. Historians note that it was one of the earliest warships capable of broadside fire.

Sinking

The Mary Rose sank in the ocean during 1545, though historians are divided on the exact date. The ship was in the middle of a battle with the French when it was struck by fire and sank.

Mary Rose Committee

This committee formed in 1967 as a way of finding the ship. Using side-scan sonar machines the committee was able to identify the ship based on historical records surrounding the sinking.

Commemorative Dive

A commemorative dive is held every year in honor of Alexander McKee, an original committee member who has since passed away. The dive takes place at the exact site of the original sinking.

References

• Mary Rose
• Mary Rose Facts