The University of Portsmouth and Mary Rose Trust have launched an ambitious project to digitise more than 40 years of archival footage documenting the iconic Tudor warship’s excavation.
A major breakthrough has been achieved in the collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and The Mary Rose Trust, marking the commencement of a comprehensive initiative to convert over four decades of archived video material capturing the renowned Tudor vessel.
This eagerly anticipated venture comes after three years of focused fundraising efforts and acquiring specialised, premium equipment necessary for the intricate process of digitising delicate, tape-based recordings.
Now that the digitisation work has officially commenced, students enrolled in the University of Portsmouth’s BA Film Production, BA Television Production, and Post-Production for Film and Television BA (Hons) programmes have become part of the project team, acquiring practical experience whilst helping preserve nationally important maritime history.
Charlie Watts, Associate Head of Global Engagement and Educational Partnerships within the University’s School of Film, Media, and Creative Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s commencement: “We’re delighted to witness this essential and technically challenging project finally get underway. It demonstrates both our dedication to heritage conservation and the robustness of our collaboration with The Mary Rose Trust.”
The Mary Rose served as King Henry VIII’s beloved warship and represented the Tudor fleet’s flagship. Built in 1511, she remained in service for 34 years before meeting her tragic fate during the Battle of the Solent in 1545.
Her rediscovery during the 1970s and spectacular recovery in 1982 fascinated the public and became amongst the most extensive and important maritime archaeological endeavours ever attempted.
The conserved remnants of the ship, alongside tens of thousands of objects retrieved from the ocean floor, now serve as the focal point of The Mary Rose Museum within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, providing an exceptional glimpse into Tudor England’s daily life.
Alastair Miles, Collections Manager at The Mary Rose Trust, commented: “We now possess the chance to conserve and uncover fresh perspectives on The Mary Rose’s excavation through this previously unseen material for future generations’ benefit.
“What started as a straightforward inquiry to our local university has developed into a comprehensive digitisation programme. Charlie Watts has demonstrated tremendous determination and patience in helping realise this ambition.”
The partnership stems from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Mary Rose Trust and the University of Portsmouth in May 2024. The MoU formally extends a relationship that has already produced results through collaborative research, innovation, student work placements, and public engagement activities.
A prime example of this cooperation is the Anchored in the Community project, created to mark the Mary Rose’s 40th anniversary. It has evolved into an effective platform for examining community identity and maritime heritage through creative and academic collaborations, with both students and staff participating in storytelling, exhibitions, and community outreach programmes.
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This recent digitisation endeavour has also been enabled by the support and knowledge of numerous people and organisations. Notable contributors include Jake Esberger from Gravity Media, and academics from the University’s Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, including Professor George Burrows, Dr Brett Stevens, Dr Beatrice Ashton-Lelliott, Dr Penny Chalk, Matt Saxey, Stephen Bellinger and the ongoing assistance of CCI media technicians.
Mr Watts concluded: “The generous time commitment from individuals, and the technical advice we’ve obtained – combined with an essential hardware donation from a local broadcaster – has created an extraordinary experience. It demonstrates both the importance of heritage collaboration and the significant impact it can have on student education and innovation. I’d also like to acknowledge the support of CCI media technicians at the University, who have committed their knowledge and time.”
