The Mary Rose was a warship of the English navy built in the 16th century, specifically commissioned by King Henry VIII. Designed as a powerful vessel, the Mary Rose was notable for her innovative construction and was equipped with heavy cannons for warfare. On July 19, 1545, while engaging in a conflict against the French fleet during the Anglo-French War, she capsized and sank in the Solent, off the coast of Portsmouth. The sinking was rapid, attributed to a sudden change in the wind and possibly the crew's failure to manage the sails properly. Approximately 500 men were aboard at the time, with many succumbing to the disaster, leading to considerable loss of life.

For centuries, the wreck was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 1970s by a team of marine archaeologists. Following its discovery, extensive efforts were launched to recover the Mary Rose, which culminated in her raising in 1982. This project was one of the most complex and costly endeavors in maritime archaeology, requiring innovative technology and techniques to ensure the preservation of the fragile wooden structure after centuries underwater. The successful salvage of the Mary Rose provided unprecedented insights into Tudor shipbuilding, naval warfare, and daily life aboard warships during that era.

The wreck was meticulously conserved, and various artifacts, including weapons, ship fittings, and personal belongings of the crew were recovered, offering invaluable information about the 16th-century maritime world. The ship was reassembled within a purpose-built museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Today, the Mary Rose stands as a symbol of Tudor maritime history and is a popular attraction for visitors.