Preliminary results on the passive holding of the hull of the * 2Mary Rose* 1 by irrigating the timbers with refrigerated freshwater indicates that microbial activity has been arrested and thus the use of biocides minimized. Results of the pilodyn survey of hull timber shows that decay exists as distinct pockets, rather than extensive decay of the complete timbers. Moisture content and chemical analysis of the wood confirms and elaborates this picture of decay. -- AATA