The 40th anniversary of the raising of the Mary Rose will be marked by a series of lectures.
Leading historians and marine archaeologists will deliver talks on the history of Henry VIII’s warship as part of a commemoration programme hosted by the Mary Rose Trust.
The ill-fated Tudor flagship capsized in the Solent while battling against the French on 19 July 1545.
Four hundred and thirty-seven years passed between the ship’s sinking and her eventual raising from the depths of the sea on 11 October 1982.
King Charles III, then still Prince Charles, who had given royal patronage to the recovery project nearly a decade before, was in attendance as the ship was raised from the waters.
The ship now has her own dedicated museum at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which can be visited as a single attraction or as part of a wider trip to the museum complex.
Taking place over three consecutive days at Action Stations Auditorium at the Historic Dockyard, the series of lectures will consider the life, times, demise, and raising of the Mary Rose and other iconic ships.
Talks include contributions by historians Dr Elizabeth Norton and Dr Kirsten Claiden-Yardley on the Tudor court at the time of the Mary Rose, as well as senior figures from the Mary Rose Trust, including its deputy CEO, Professor Eleanor Schofield.
On the final day, which focuses on the recovery, guests will be able to hear stories from some of the ship’s salvage team, and the Royal Engineers involved in raising it. Special guests will include John Selwyn-Gilbert (BBC Chronicle) and Nigel Kelland (Sonardyne International).
Commenting on the announcement, Dominic Jones, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Museum, said: ‘Even after hundreds of years, the Mary Rose continues to fascinate.’
‘This series of lectures delivered by leading experts is the perfect way to celebrate the momentous feat of raising her from the seabed, as well as commemorating those whose fantastic work 40 years ago has enabled hundreds of thousands to witness the Mary Rose close up and explore Tudor life like never before,’ he added.
Tickets are priced at £30 day or £75 for all three. More information about the lectures, including a full timetable, is available here.
