Portsmouth: Free museum entry offered to mark Mary Rose anniversary

Mary Rose Pettefer was named in honour of the ship after being born on the day it was raised

People called Mary or Rose can enjoy free entry to Portsmouth's Mary Rose Museum to mark 41 years since the ship was raised from the seabed.

King Henry VIII's flagship was lifted from the Solent on 11 October 1982.

Mary Rose Pettefer, 41, is one of those able to drop in for free on Wednesday. She was born on the day the Mary Rose was raised and named in tribute.

People hoping to visit without charge will need to bring a passport or driving licence.

The Tudor ship sank in battle in 1545

Ms Pettefer said: "It's been incredible to get up close to the Mary Rose and see her in all her glory. It has always felt very special to share my birth date... with the day of her raising.

"It was therefore a very fitting tribute for my parents to name me Mary Rose given the significance of the event, which many people still talk about and remember fondly to this day."

The warship famously sank in 1545 while leading an attack on a French invasion fleet, with Henry VIII looking on from nearby Southsea Castle.

It is thought about 500 soldiers and sailors perished when it went down.

The ship and 19,000 artefacts are displayed at the Mary Rose Museum, which was originally funded with National Lottery cash

Wednesday also marks 40 years since the ship was first put on display in 1983.

The museum showcases 19,000 recovered artefacts, revealing the vivid picture of Tudor life at sea for the sailors on board 500 years ago.

Dominic Jones, CEO of the Mary Rose Trust, said: "It's humbling to reflect on the incredible journey of this historic ship, from its extraordinary recovery four decades ago to its enduring significance today.

"The Mary Rose stands as a priceless jewel of Tudor history, and her recovery remains etched in our collective national memory as a monumental moment in time.

"Her name is so iconic that we wanted to share our celebrations with her namesakes."

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