"The Union flag that led Nelson's fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar could be bought by a UK museum after an export bar was imposed following its sale at auction. The Union Flag flew from the Royal Sovereign, the ship that led the British charge at the Battle of Trafalgar, and still features burn marks and splinters inflicted during the battle. It was recently put up for sale and sold for £450,000."
"The scars on the flag are evidence of the ferocity of the fighting during the battle. Lord Nelson's strategy was famously to send his ships on a headlong charge into the enemy, which has been described as a risky manoeuvre designed to split the opposing forces. The Royal Sovereign, with this flag flying, was the first ship to engage the French and Spanish during the battle."
"Few symbols in our country are as evocative as the Union Flag, and this flag in particular is an extraordinary representation of Britain's history and national identity. This flag was made by ordinary Britons and now epitomises a defining moment in our national history. I hope this profoundly important historical artefact can remain in Britain for the public to enjoy."
A Union Flag flown from the Royal Sovereign during the Battle of Trafalgar bears burn marks and splinters from the fighting and is believed to have been hand-made and maintained by the ship's sailors. The flag was sold at auction for £450,000, and an export bar has been imposed, giving UK museums and institutions until March 2026 to raise the purchase price to keep it in the country. The Royal Sovereign led the British charge, engaging the French and Spanish first, and the battle secured British naval supremacy despite around 4,500 fatalities, including Lord Nelson.
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