Sunken Royal Navy Warship's Flag Restored After 155 Years

In a significant historical preservation effort, the University of Wolverhampton has announced the completion of the restoration of a flag from the HMS Captain, a Royal Navy warship that capsized and sank off the coast of Spain in 1870, resulting in the loss of nearly its entire 500-man crew.

The flag, which was plucked from the water after the tragic incident and later sent to a church in Bedfordshire, will now be displayed at a gala event on September 23rd, 2025. The unveiling will be attended by the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and historian Dan Snow MBE, highlighting the national significance of this historical artifact.

The university's Centre for Historical Research, the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences Small Grant Scheme, and a public-backed "Find the Captain Project" have all contributed to the research, preservation, and display of the flag. This effort is also part of an imminent marine survey expedition that will use advanced scanning technology to locate the wreck of the HMS Captain, which would be a "historic moment in naval archaeology" if successful.

Dr. Howard Fuller, the project manager, stated that the unveiling of the HMS Captain's flag is not only a tribute to those lost at sea but also a celebration of the university's leadership in historical research and preservation.