'Hatch' - The Mary Rose Dog
Meet 'Hatch'
'Hatch' is one of the more famous exhibits in the Mary Rose museum, popular with all ages!
But who was he, and why was he on board the Mary Rose?
'Hatch' was the ratter on board the Mary Rose, although he may also have acted as an unofficial mascot.
DNA testing has shown that 'Hatch' was a mongrel, his mother being a whippet and his father a terrier, and he probably had pale streaky brown fur. Analysis of the skull suggests he was between eighteen months to two years old when the Mary Rose sank.
'Hatch' was mostly found outside the Carpenter's Cabin, with some of his bones inside. Despite stories claiming he was trapped in the door, he probably died fully outside the cabin, with some parts being pulled inside post-death by marine scavengers.
While today we think of the ships cat as being more traditional,dogs were used on board ships for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, contrary to popular belief, cats aren't that good at ratting, as many rats are big enough to fight back. Dogs such as terriers were considered to be much better for the task, and still are in some circles.
Secondly, Pope Innocent VIII had declared cats to unholy in 1484, and the companions of witches, so owning one was generally considered unlucky, not to mention likely to get you in a lot of trouble. This opinion ended in England around 200 years later.