Eleanor Schofield at the Mary Rose Museum

About

What does it take to protect and preserve a wooden warship that's nearly 500 years old?

The answer: some serious science!

King Henry VIII's mighty warship the Mary Rose sank off the English coast in the 16th Century and lay undisturbed for more than 400 years, until it was spectacularly raised in 1982 in one of the most challenging maritime salvage operations ever attempted.

The surviving section of the ship – along with thousands of recovered artefacts – offer a unique window into Tudor history, revealing stories of royalty, epic battles and everyday life on the high seas.

But maintaining this ancient vessel and its accompanying treasures has been no mean feat; and engineer Eleanor Schofield knows that better than most, being the Director of Collections at the Mary Rose Trust.

In a special conversation recorded for BBC Radio 4's programme 'The Life Scientific', Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to Eleanor about the motivations and life choices that took her down this extraordinary career path – and digs into the scientific secrets and thrilling discoveries behind the resurrection of this iconic nautical time-capsule.

This event will include time for audience questions, which will also be recorded and may be included in the final broadcast edition.

Tickets include exclusive access to the museum after the talk.

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£10.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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The Life Scientific at the Mary Rose Museum

Type:Talks

The Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3PY
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Tel02392812931

Opening Times

The Life Scientific at the Mary Rose Museum (5 Aug 2025)
DayTimes
Tuesday18:00 - 21:00

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