Ep 4. What Sank the Mary Rose?

In the fourteenth season of the long-running documentary series Secrets of the Dead, the fourth episode explores the mystery surrounding the sinking of the Tudor warship Mary Rose, which plunged to the depths of the Solent off the coast of Portsmouth in July 1545, taking nearly 400 soldiers and sailors with it. The hour-long episode, titled "What Sank the Mary Rose?," seeks to unravel the circumstances of the wreckage and to uncover the reasons behind the ship's sudden and catastrophic loss.

Using state-of-the-art scientific techniques and new historical evidence, the show's team of experts and historians delve into the story of the Mary Rose, from her launch in 1511, to her heroic participation in the Battle of the Solent against the French in 1545, and finally, to her tragic sinking. At the heart of the investigation is the question of what caused the vessel to go down so unexpectedly, particularly since it was widely regarded as the most advanced and formidable warship of its time.

To answer this question, Secrets of the Dead looks at various possible scenarios, examining both historical accounts of the disaster and physical evidence of the ship's structure and contents. Among the theories put forward are that the Mary Rose was toppled over by a sudden gust of wind, that it was hit by enemy fire that caused its guns to explode, or that it was simply overloaded with too many cannons, supplies, and crew members.

One of the key pieces of evidence scrutinized in the episode is a remarkable collection of artifacts that has been recovered from the site of the ship's sinking. Among the treasures retrieved are cannons, muskets, swords, and even personal items such as combs, shoes, and dice. By analyzing these artifacts, the show's team of experts hope to gain insights into the ship's design, construction, and equipment, as well as the lives of the people who sailed on it.

In addition to the archaeology and forensics, the episode also features interviews with historians and naval experts who offer their own perspectives on the Mary Rose's demise. Some of these commentators argue that the ship's downfall was ultimately caused by a combination of factors, including human error, bad luck, and strategic miscalculations by the English commanders.

Ultimately, Secrets of the Dead aims to shed new light on one of the most compelling mysteries of British naval history, while also providing viewers with a glimpse into the cutting-edge techniques and methods being used by modern-day historians and archaeologists. Whether you are a history buff, a fan of maritime sagas, or simply curious to explore the past, "What Sank the Mary Rose?" is sure to captivate and enlighten.