The Social and Economic Impact of the Mary Rose

Introduction

Until she was sunk in battle in 1545, the Mary Rose was a naval warship serving under Henry VIII, providing security to the realm and a livelihood for the hundreds of sailors who served aboard her. Today, the ship rests in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as a museum; her role has been transformed, but her impact endures. But what is that impact, and how can it be measured?

In 2025, the Mary Rose Trust commissioned BiGGAR Economics to help answer this. In this blog we explore our findings.

The Economic Impact of the Mary Rose

We started by analysing the core operations of the Mary Rose. This included looking at the value of goods and services purchased from local businesses and the money spent by staff in the local economy. We also looked at the spending of people who visited the museum in the local area.

What is significant about this impact is its relative size compared to the income of the museum. In 2024, the Mary Rose generated an income of £3.2 million¹. This means that:

For every £1 of income received, the Mary Rose generated at least £5 GVA for the region.

This multiplier arises because the Mary Rose draws visitors to Portsmouth, who otherwise would not have come. In 2024, the Mary Rose received 230,000 visitors, who then spent time in Portsmouth going to cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops, helping to support a vibrant High Street from the steady footfall generated by the museum.

Enhancing People’s Wellbeing

The impact of the Mary Rose extends beyond economic value. The ship also makes an important contribution to local wellbeing. It does this in several ways.

The Mary Rose also provides targeted support to ensure these benefits are widely felt. For example, by offering free entry to local families whose children receive free school meals.

BiGGAR Economics estimated that through these kinds of activities the Mary Rose supported a wellbeing impact valued at £5.8 million in 2024.

Contributing to the Wider Area

The Mary Rose does more than generate wealth and enhance wellbeing. Much of the impact it generates cannot be quantified, for example:

• Education and learning: the Mary Rose provides opportunities for young people to develop workplace skills through placements and internships. This contributes to a more skilled workforce and supports the economy in the long run.
• Community Engagement: the Mary Rose participates in local and regional events such as Portsmouth Pride. These activities bring people together, providing a shared cultural experience and fostering social connections, contributing to a more engaged and trusting society.
• Supporting Local Producers: the Mary Rose supports locally run businesses by stocking their gift shop with locally produced goods and partnering with local companies. These businesses are more likely to be engaged in their communities, employ local staff, and use local resources.
• Supporting the Cultural Sector: the Mary Rose provides archaeological conservation services that help sustain the cultural sector.

Contributing to a Sense of Place

As a commercial entity, the Mary Rose provides meaningful employment and supports local businesses. As a cultural institution, it enhances the wellbeing of its employees, volunteers, and visitors.

These impacts are felt beyond the boundaries of the museum. Whether through increased visitor spending sustaining a more vibrant High Street, providing easier access to the museum to disadvantaged families, or supporting local and regional cultural events, the Mary Rose fosters a sense of place in Portsmouth, helping to make the area a more vibrant, prosperous, and connected place to live.

For more information

More information on our wider work on tourism and cultural attractions can be found here.

To talk to us about how your organisation may be contributing to the economy and society, please get in touch via info@biggareconomics.co.uk

1. Charity Commission – Mary Rose Trust 277503 ↩︎