Scenes from a Tudor City: Easter at Mary Rose

Step back in time this spring for a truly immersive historical experience at the Mary Rose Museum, located within the world-renowned Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. "Scenes from a Tudor City: Easter" is a specially curated event designed to bring the 16th century to life, focusing on the fascinating culinary and social habits of the Tudor era.

Visitors will embark on a sensory journey to discover what the Tudors actually liked to cook and eat. The event explores the reality of a Tudor diet, from the exotic spices found in the galley of Henry VIII’s favorite warship to the everyday foraged goods used by common city folk. You will have the opportunity to compare the nutritional value and sustainability of a 2026 diet against the authentic Tudor lifestyle. Expert historians and live re-enactors will be on hand to guide you through these "scenes," providing context on how food was sourced, prepared, and preserved in a world without modern refrigeration.

In addition to the culinary focus, the event features "Hatch’s History Detectives," a multi-sensory exploration led by the ship’s famous dog, Hatch. This trail is perfect for younger historians, helping them uncover the stories of the crew and the artifacts recovered from the seabed. Whether you are interested in the science of maritime archaeology or the daily drama of Tudor life, this event offers a unique, hands-on perspective that goes beyond traditional museum exhibits. It is a celebration of heritage that connects the modern visitor to the spirit of the 1545 crew.