Mary and Rose go FREE at the Mary Rose! | The Mary Rose
Mary and Rose go FREE at the Mary Rose!
Calling All Marys and Roses!

Namesakes of the famous ship Go Free as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard celebrates four decades since the Mary Rose’s majestic raising

This 11th October marks the 41st anniversary of the most complex maritime salvage operation the world had ever seen, when the Mary Rose was famously raised from the Solent. To  celebrate their special day on the 11th October, the Mary Rose Museum will be granting free entry to anyone bearing the name Mary or Rose.

This year not only marks 41 years since the world held its breath as the illustrious Mary Rose was raised from the seabed, but also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the famous ship going on display to the public for the first time in October 1983.

Dominic Jones, Chief Executive Officer, The Mary Rose Trust., said

"Here at the Mary Rose Museum, 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, giving them the opportunity to visit for free on the 11th October anniversary

Visitors to the Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard can witness the extraordinary transformation of this legendary ship from a hidden underwater gem plastered across television screens and shrouded in her yellow lifting frame, to a spectacle of breathtaking magnificence and emotional resonance.

Guests will be transported back in time as they explore the many thousands of incredible artefacts discovered within the hull, each piece telling a unique story of the lives of the Tudor sailors on board 500 years ago. The museum brings to life the stories of the Mary Rose and her valiant crew, offering a vivid and immersive experience for all ages.

Mary Rose Pettefer in the Weston Ship Hall
Shardlake Tours

All those named Mary or Rose are especially encouraged to seize this unique opportunity – letting their first or middle name be their passport to embark on a complimentary historic journey, uncovering the layers of time and marvelling at the enchanting tales of this unique piece of history. Attendees wanting to take advantage of this offer just need to come along on the 11th of October with their photographic ID (either passport, driving licence or ID card), with no need to book in advance. Entry times to the Mary Rose Museum are 10am - 4:45pm (last entry). Full terms and conditions can be found HERE

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is committed to preserving and showcasing maritime heritage, and the Mary Rose is a testament to this dedication. The Dockyard warmly welcomes everyone to come and witness the extraordinary resurrection of the Mary Rose and experience first-hand the powerful stories and rich history that she embodies. For more information and to buy tickets, visit here.