We have awarded £400,000 to North East Museums to acquire the flag flown from the HMS Royal Sovereign, commanded by Newcastle-born Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.
Trafalgar was a defining moment in the Napoleonic Wars and one of the most consequential and culturally important battles in British naval history. Surviving flags are rare. This one is hand-stitched in wool bunting with a weighted edge and measures 152.5cm x 274.5cm. It’s in good condition but has burn marks and splinters from its service.
The flag was due to be taken out of the UK, but an export bar was placed on the it by the Secretary of State because of its significance to the UK. North East Museums raised over two thirds of its £700,000 target to buy the flag and create a permanent home for it at Discovery Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne. Our funding, along with support from other donors, has made the acquisition possible.
Of the three Trafalgar Union Flags that remain, this example is the most significant since it flew from the ship that started the battle and played a pivotal role in Britain’s victory.
Flag display to honour local sailors who served on the ship
Vice-Admiral Collingwood recruited many of his sailors from Newcastle’s maritime community. They maintained the flag and may have even made it. Over 500 ‘Geordie’ sailors were in the Battle of Trafalgar fleet.
Seventeen-year-old Charles Aubrey Antram (1788–1831), one of the ship's four master's mates, who would have assisted the navigation and steering of the ship, kept the flag as a souvenir after the battle. His family passed it down through the generations before selling it to a private collector.
Susan Collingwood-Cameron, great-great-great niece of Vice-Admiral Collingwood said:
“I’m excited that [it’s] coming to Newcastle. This flag is said to have been made by sailors on board the ship, many of whom came from Tyneside and were affectionately referred to by him as his ‘Tars of the Tyne.’ It will be a tribute to them, and the important role they played, in one of our greatest moments in history.”
This is the latest of over 50 maritime grants we have awarded since 1980. Discover more about the world-class collection of heritage we’ve saved for the people of the UK.
