Ghost of a flea

Dust to dust

The painstakingly raised and restored Vasa and Mary Rose, favourites of Kings Gustavus Adolphus and Henry VIII respectively, are threatened by a chemical reaction as their hoary old timbers dry out.

A threat now hangs over the future of both ships. Scientists have detected a significant build-up of sulphuric acid within the timbers of the Vasa, and they fear the Mary Rose may suffer the same fate once it too has dried out. If the problem in the Vasa goes unchecked, specialists believe the ship's immense timbers could eventually turn to dust, making a mockery of the immense effort that has gone into her restoration.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at November 14, 2003 09:11 AM