Museums bid to save Battle of Trafalgar flag

A museums organisation has submitted an expression of interest to acquire a historically significant Union Flag that was flown at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The bid has been submitted by North East Museums to put the flag on show at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle.

The flag was flown from HMS Royal Sovereign, flagship of Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood - Nelson's second-in-command at Trafalgar - who was born in the city on 17 September 1748.

Keith Merrin, director of the museums, said it would become a "star exhibit".

The flag measures 152.5 x 274.5 cm and is hand-stitched in wool bunting with a weighted edge.

Evidence of battle can be seen on the fabric, with gunpowder stains and splinter tears.

Experts said it was only one of three Union Flags to survive the battle.

An export bar has been placed on it by the secretary of state because of its significance to the nation following a recommendation from the reviewing committee on the Export of Works of Art.

The bar allows institutions in the UK the opportunity to purchase the flag and retain it in the UK.

If the expression of interest is successful, North East Museums' acquisition will be funded by a charitable foundation, with the purchase price set at £450,000.

Merrin said: "We would like to make Discovery Museum its permanent home, where it would become a star exhibit enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year."

More than 500 sailors from Tyne and Wear served in Nelson's fleet at the battle.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "The statue of Collingwood towering over the mouth of the Tyne is one of our best-loved local landmarks.

"It is exciting to think that the flag that flew from the Royal Sovereign at Trafalgar may soon be coming home to the North East where it belongs."

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