British Flag
The British Union flag is one of the most uniquely designed flags in the
world, and has gone through some changes throughout history. The
first Union flag was flown in 1603, when King James of Scotland also
became the King of England. While England and Scotland had their
own flags, and still do to this day, the Union flag represented the union
between the two countries, and comprised the English cross of St. George
with the Scottish cross of St. Andrew. The flag was designated a
maritime flag, which allowed it to be flown on British ships. When
flown at the bowsprit of British naval ships, the flag was called a jack,
and the British flag nickname of "Union Jack" is derived from this usage.
In 1801, the cross of St. Patrick was added to the flag when Ireland
joined the Union. This cross was counterchanged with the cross of
St. Andrew. While Ireland's south broke away from the Union
in 1921, the flag remains the same.
The Union flag is not a national flag, but is officially a royal maritime flag. This means that British citizens who want to fly the Union flag on land must get royal permission before they do so.
Shown below are the two flags — the English Cross of St. George flag and the Scottish Cross of St. Andrew flag — from which the British Union flag is derived.
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Related British Links
- UK Flag - description and illustration of the United Kingdom flag.
- UK Map - United Kingdom maps, geography, and tourism.