HMS Royal Sovereign was launched from Plymouth in 1786. She was a First Rate Ship leading the Leeward Column carrying 100 guns. She sailed considerably better in the light winds present that day than other vessels, and pulled well ahead of the rest of the fleet. As she cut the enemy line alone and engaged the Spanish three decker Santa Ana, Nelson pointed to her and said, 'See how that noble fellow Collingwood carries his ship into action!' She fired the first shot of the battle, but subsequently was seriously disabled and taken in tow by HMS Euryalus, having lost masts and crew, and Collingwood transferred his flag and himself to this ship, and having learnt of the death of Nelson, proceeded to take command of the fleet and secure the victory.
Royal Sovereign returned to duty in 1806, and after her useful active life she was converted to harbour service as a receiving ship at Plymouth before being renamed HMS Captain on 17 August 1825. Hulked in June 1826, and finally broken up in1841.
Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood (1748 –1810) was born the son of a merchant in Newcastle. He was educated at the Royal Free Grammar School, joined the Royal Navy at 12 straight from school and rose through its ranks. He met Horatio Nelson while they were both midshipmen, and stayed life-long friends. He married Sarah Blackett in 1791 and set up home Morpeth, but spent only about three years on dry land. His first Command was of The Excellent in 1797 in St Vincent. He died at sea off Minorca on the HMS Ville De Paris in 1810. He is buried in St Paul's Cathedral in London's.