HATCH

HATCH ~ The Mary Rose Dog

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‘Hatch’ was the ratter on board the Mary Rose, responsible for catching rats, although he may also have acted as an unofficial mascot.

Contrary to popular belief, cats aren’t that good at ratting, as many rats are big enough to fight back.

Dogs such as terriers were considered to be much better for the task, and still are in some circles.

According to DNA work performed on Hatch's teeth, he was a young adult male, between 18 – 24 months, with a light brown-dark brown coat.

He may have spent his entire life on-board the Mary Rose, rarely if ever going ashore.

Hatch can’t be attributed to one specific breed.

DNA analysis undertaken by the University of Portsmouth, looked at which modern breeds he was closest related to, and classed him as a terrier-type, most closely related to the modern Jack Russell terrier.

He also shows similarities with whippets, so we refer to him as a terrier/whippet mongrel, or a lurcher.

Despite stories claiming he was trapped in the door, he probably died fully outside the cabin, with some parts being pulled inside post-death by marine scavengers.

Because of where he was found, we refer to him as the carpenter's dog, and he shares a display case in the museum with the master carpenter's chest.

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https://maryrose.org/hatch/#:~:text=Who%20was%20'Hatch',

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https://ko-fi.com/thetudorintruders