1545: Who Sank the Mary Rose?

The raising of the Mary Rose in 1982 was a remarkable feat of archaeology. This new book by one of the country's leading experts on the Mary Rose contains much that is published for the first time, including the first full account of the battle in which Henry VIII's warship was sunk and the stories of the English and French admirals. It examines the design and construction of the ship and how she was used and develops themes begun when he was earlier commissioned by the Mary Rose Trust to write the multi-volume history of the ship.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 August 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The remarkable feat of archaeology that saw the raising of the Mary Rose in 1982 was a testament to the skill and imagination of those involved. However, the Mary Rose is more than just a relic; she has a captivating story to tell. Her sinking in the Solent in 1545, during an attack by the French, has been the subject of fascination for generations of historians. Thanks to the access to her remains, archaeologists have been able to piece together the mystery of her foundering on a calm summer day in July 1545.

In this new book, authored by one of the country's leading experts on the Mary Rose, a wealth of previously unpublished information is presented. The book offers the first comprehensive account of the battle that led to the sinking of Henry VIII's warship, shedding light on the English and French admirals involved. It delves into the design and construction of the ship, exploring how she was utilized in her time. Furthermore, the book expands on themes initially explored when the author was commissioned by the Mary Rose Trust to write the multi-volume history of the ship.

One of the most significant revelations in the book is that the French fleet arrived unexpectedly to seize the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, a day later than previously believed. The author also demonstrates that the many bodies found in the wreck reflect her at action stations, further confirming the ship's active role in the battle. Additionally, the book reveals that the Mary Rose had an extra deck added, making her more unstable than previously thought.

The author meticulously details what happened onboard the Mary Rose, deck by deck, in her final moments afloat. The fascinating revelation will captivate readers of all backgrounds, from historians and archaeologists to the general public. This book is poised to become the definitive work on the career of this most famous of ships.

In conclusion, the raising of the Mary Rose in 1982 and her subsequent preservation and display at Portsmouth are remarkable achievements in archaeology. The ship's story, coupled with the access to her remains, has allowed archaeologists to unravel the mysteries surrounding her sinking. This new book by a leading expert on the Mary Rose provides a wealth of unpublished information and sheds new light on the battle and the ship's history. It is set to become the last word on the career of this iconic vessel, captivating readers of all backgrounds.

Weight: 1098g
Dimension: 181 x 255 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526749352