Ensigns Flown In England

From 2002 to the year 2004 I lived in the United Kingdom, in the area of London to be a little more specific. During my time in England I observed all kinds of British flags hoisted on British flagpoles throughout this exciting capital city. Interestingly, different country flags are used this day and age in the United Kingdom.

The flag of England features the St George’s cross, which has been very popular since the 13th century. I am told that this cross was derived from participation in the Crusades.

Over time, the flag design, which features the St George’s cross, was used more often. The cross of St George was hoisted on naval type flag poles on vessels for many years. Today, the cross is hoisted on a jack to represent an admiral. Some on land have confused this flag for the one that is used on behalf of the Church of England. In today’s many sport’s events, the St George’s cross is very much prominent.

There is an substantial difference between the flags flown by Wales and England. The flag of Wales is derived from a badge-flag of the Tudor period. It is in the Tudor livery colors of green and white (also symbolized by the leek), with the traditional Red Dragon over all. This flag was given official status by a government statement in ’58 after an unsuccessful attempt to replace it with one bearing the royal badge of Wales.

This island of Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands, and located further from the main island of England than it is from the country of France. Even though owned by the monarchy, the island is under rule of its own government. For many years, the flag hoisted on local flag poles was the flag that featured the cross of St George. This was changed in 1985, when a cross like that seen on the “gonfanon” of William the Conqueror was added over the red one.

In the past, the flag of Northern Ireland was not the Union Jack. This territory’s flag existed for some twenty years and was a banner of the arms of the government of Northern Ireland.

Many historic flags, even though not officially in use, can still be purchases as (good) replicas. At times, one can observe these flags hoisted on garden flag poles.

Author is a former flag expert with over 20 years of experience in the area of flagpoles.