Henry’s Heroes
Discover life above and below decks on King Henry VIII’s favourite warship. Handle a wide range of replica artefacts to investigate how differently the officers and crew lived, worked and played at sea. Dressing up for all with our replica Tudor clothing – bring the camera for a brilliant photo opportunity for the whole class!
Key Questions:
- What was it like to live and work on King Henry VIII’s favourite ship? (KS1)
- What were the differences in work and lifestyle between the officers and crew on the Mary Rose? (KS2)
National Curriculum Link:
History (KS1)
- Events beyond living memory that are significant nationally.
- Significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national achievements.
- Significant historical events, people and places in pupils’ own locality
History (KS2)
- A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
- Connections, contrasts and trends over time
Portsmouth’s Tudor Past
What was it like to live in the home port of the Mary Rose? Look at maps, handle replica artefacts and dress up to build up a picture of life in Portsmouth 500 years ago. How much has the City changed since the time of the Mary Rose? How does it compare to modern life?
Key Question:
- How much has Portsmouth changed since Tudor times?
National Curriculum Link:
KS2 History
- A local history study; a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
- Connections, contrasts and trends over time
Fighting Fit
Dispel some of those myths about Tudor life. Are we fitter and healthier than our Tudor ancestors? A series of activities looking at diet and fitness via our skeletons, food and exercise is designed to answer this question. Handle replica artefacts to understand the impact of lifestyle on the officers and crew of the Mary Rose.
Key Questions:
- Just how good was the nutrition and fitness of the men of the Mary Rose?
- How does it compare with our nutrition and fitness today?
National Curriculum Link:
KS2 Science (Animals including humans)
- The importance for humans of exercise, eating the right amounts of different types of food/nutrition and hygiene
- Impact of diet, exercise and lifestyle on humans
- Skeletons and changes as humans develop to old age
KS2 History:
- A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
- Connections, contrasts and trends over time
Materials of the Mary Rose
Work with real and replica artefacts to investigate Tudor materials, focusing on the properties of materials. Were they fit for purpose? How do they compare with modern materials, particularly plastic? Use digital microscopes to compare sample materials and see them in high definition to find out more about their properties and how they are conserved in the museum
Key Questions:
- What materials did the Tudors use?
- How sustainable were they compared with modern equivalents? What was it like to live in a plastic-free world?
National Curriculum Link:
KS2 Science
- Uses of everyday materials; properties and changes of materials
Tudor Gun Drill
Two part challenge:
- What does it take to work as a Tudor Gun Crew? Find out what it would be like on board in the heat of battle in the Admiral’s Gallery of the Museum by loading and firing our full-size replica gun in small teams.
- Think big! Teams plan a strategy to attack or defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545 with ships, castles and soldiers using a contemporary map. Can you change history?
Key Questions:
- How did the Gun Crew work together to load and fire Tudor cannon?
- How was Tudor Portsmouth attacked by the French and defended by the English in 1545?
National Curriculum Links:
SMSC development:
KS2 History:
- A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
- Connections, contrasts and trends over time
Tudor History Mystery
Key Questions: Why did the Mary Rose sink? What was the function and significance of a range of Tudor artefacts?
Why did the Mary Rose sink and why is she so significant? Engage in a genuine debate comparing conflicting primary sources on the sinking of the ship before voting for the most likely theory. Try to identify mystery replica artefacts. What does this amazing collection reveal about Tudor life?
National Curriculum Link – KS3 History
The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745
How different types of historical sources are used rigorously to make historical claims; how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.
STEM at Work
Shipwreck Science, Materials Conservation, Design and Engineering
Ideal for Science Week or careers days
Key Questions: How was the Mary Rose found and how was she raised? What challenges do conservators face when preserving archaeological wood?
How was the Mary Rose found and raised? Investigate the changes caused by 437 years under the sea. Handle real samples of Mary Rose wood and discover how she has been preserved for all time in a purpose-built museum.
National Curriculum Link- KS3 Science
Uses of science today and in the future. Science careers.
Develop excitement and curiosity about science.
Tudor Masterclass
Key Questions: What can the Mary Rose tell us about this pivotal time in history; how far can we trust our sources?
Examine inscriptions found on the Mary Rose and explore their significance. Handle replicas to investigate what the Mary Rose collection tells us about the tumultuous reign King Henry VIII. Explore evidence of change and continuity in church, state and society, 1509 – 1545.
National Curriculum Link – KS3 History
The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745
Extension and deepening of chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British history.
Historical terms and concepts.
What sank the Mary Rose?
Key Questions: What caused the Mary Rose to sink nearly 500 years ago? Is it possible to find out? What do the sources tell us and why are they contradictory?
Why did the Mary Rose sink? Was the ship unstable or overloaded? Were there other factors? Test predictions relating to stability and load-bearing capacity of models. Use the scientific evidence to support or refute the theories, and consider what further evidence may be required.
National Curriculum Links
KS3 History
The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745
How different types of historical sources are used rigorously to make historical claims and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.
KS3 Science
Relating scientific explanations to phenomena in the past and using modelling and abstract ideas to develop and evaluate explanations.
Strictly Tudor Surgery
Just how bad was Tudor medicine? How effective was the Mary Rose Surgeon? Using costumes and replica artefacts as props role-play the Surgeon and his patients in scenarios based on the Mary Rose crew. Medical practice must be strictly Tudor!
Key Question: How effective was Tudor medicine?
National Curriculum Link – KS3 History
The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745
SMSC development: team work
