Revealed. Ghosts of the Mary Rose.

Date:
2008
  • Videos

About this work

Description

This documentary gathers together new evidence about why the Tudor war ship, the Mary Rose, sank so spectacularly using computer generated images (CGI), original dive footage taken underwater and newly shot footage. This is narrated by a clinician, Hugh Montgomery, from University College London who is an intensive care doctor and was also one of the original dive team which excavated the wreck. 10,000 bones were recovered from the wreck. Only the identity of the admiral is known and accounts at the time suggest that he called out to another ship close-by as his ship sank that the ship had 'knaves I could not control'. An osteoarchaelogist investigates the bones and then Montgomery researches their unique pathology. Three skeletons were selected. Firstly a large 6 foot man is studied; he had a condition which affected his shoulder blades. A contemporary archer has the answer as he too suffers from a similar condition. The second skeleton, a smaller man at 5 foot 4 inches, was found close to the oven. Bone scans reveal even bone stress which would indicate that he was a gunner. The last skeleton was one of the most complete; he was found with a bosun's whistle. He was smaller and older than the others; his teeth are worn away. It is speculated that he was either the bosun or chief gunner. He was also found close to the ship's line. A maritime archaeologist from the Mary Rose Trust speculates over how the ship let in so much water and then ultimately sank. Dr Lynne Bell, a forensic anthropologist, samples dental enamel; this gives an indication of where the men came from. From a larger sample, it seems that 60% grew up in Southern Europe, possibly Spain from contemporary accounts. This would add credence to the admiral's account about the ungovernable crew; it's probable that they did not speak English.

Publication/Creation

UK : Windfall Films, 2008.

Physical description

1 DVD (60 min.) : sound, color

Notes

Broadcasted on Channel 5
Wellcome Trust grant output: grantholder; David Dugan, grant number; 085989, grant type; People Awards.
Hugh Montgomery, who was part of the team that discovered the Mary Rose, draws on experts insights as he investigates what the skeletons found on the Tudor warship can tell us. One set of bones offers a significant clue as to why the ship sank.

Creator/production credits

Produced and directed by Martin Gorst.

Copyright note

Windfall Films

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    5087D
  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    5087D

Permanent link