The Raising of the Mary Rose: Archaeology & Salvage Combined - Page 4 of 8

Fig. 2

The philosophy behind the positioning of the bolts can be seen in the illustrations in figure 2. Looking at these cross sections of the hull, the typical sequence of structural elements chosen as the strong points can be seen. The points were spread evenly across the section and corresponded to the major structural elements such as the keel, rider, a hold stringer, diagonal brace, orlop deck beam shelf, an orlop deck stringer, main deck beam shelf etc. There were exceptions to this pattern but the rationale of selection was similar in each area.

There were disadvantages in changing the method of salvage in the light of the new programme of work that was now required. Every single lifting point had to be individually located and drilled, the bolt placed in position, the hull undercut to enable the backing plate to be fitted, and the bolts tightened up.

Figure 3 illustrates this new sequence of tasks required for attaching the hull to the lifting frame. (Next page).

The Mary Rose Trust's salvage diving team were well qualified to do this work as they were not only fully qualified to use the commercial equipment and procedures that made the work effective and safe, but also included individuals who were graduate archaeologists or engineers, surveyors and other professionals. In addition they had thousands of hours experience on the site and an intimate knowledge of the hull.

The schedule to complete this new work programme was very tight and the availability of a surface supplied diving system was vital to the success of the work.

 

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