Q&A · 21:24-24:30

Why did Mary Rose carry so many kinds of gun?

An audience question opens a close explanation of Mary Rose's non-standard battery and its differing ranges.

Question

Why did Mary Rose carry many different gun types instead of a uniform battery?

Short answer

Because cannon were costly craft products with little standardization; the ship used the pieces available, each with a different range and purpose.

Notes

Early cannon were expensive, individually made weapons acquired as opportunities allowed. Even nominally similar pieces could differ by maker and casting, so a modern-style uniform broadside was impractical. Culverins, cannon, demi-cannon, port pieces, and lighter weapons offered different ranges and anti-ship or anti-personnel effects. The crew had to fight each piece according to its own performance instead of treating the battery as one synchronized weapon.