List of flags of the United Kingdom

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Flags of the
United Kingdom
English flags
Northern Irish flags
Scottish flags
Welsh flags
Royal Standards

This is a list of flags that have either been in use, or are currently used by, the United Kingdom and related territories.

Contents

[edit] Current national flags

National and subnational flags of the United Kingdom.[1]

[edit] United Kingdom

Flag Date Use Description Status
1801 - The Union Flag, popularly known as the Union Jack. Used as the flag of the United Kingdom A superimposition of the flags of England and Scotland with the Saint Patrick's Saltire (representing Ireland) National flag used by government

[edit] Great Britain

Flag Date Use Description Status
c.1275 - Flag of England, also known as the St George's Cross A red cross on a white field De facto national flag used mainly by the Church of England
c.1300 - Flag of Scotland, also known as the St Andrew's Cross, or the Saltire A white saltire on a blue field National flag used by Scottish Government and agencies, as well as by ordinary citizens.
1959 - Flag of Wales, also known as the Red Dragon or Y Ddraig Goch A red passant dragon on a green and white field National flag used by the Welsh Assembly Government and agencies

[edit] Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland does not currently have a de jure National flag[2] other than the Union Flag - the banner of the former coat of arms of the Government of Northern Ireland banner; the Ulster Banner, is still in use by international sporting organisations, (eg FIFA,[3] UEFA,[4] and the Commonwealth Games)[5] and can be seen in the Historical flags section.

[edit] Ensigns

Flag Date Use Description
1801 - Blue Ensign, used by some organisations or territories associated with the UK and also used by Royal Navy Captain of Merchant Navy Ship - e.g., RMS Queen Mary A blue field, with a Union Flag in the canton
1801 - Red Ensign, used by the Merchant Navy A red field, with a Union Flag in the canton
1801 - White Ensign, Royal Navy, usually ships bearing the prefix HMS (but see blue ensign), and the Royal Yacht Squadron A red cross on a white field with the Union Flag in the canton
1931 - Civil Air Ensign, used by civilian aircraft A blue and white cross on a light blue field with the Union Flag in the canton
1921 - Royal Air Force Ensign A RAF light blue field with the Royal Air Force roundel in the fly with a Union Flag in the canton
Civil Jack A Union Flag with a white border
Sea Cadet Corps Ensign RNR Blue Ensign with SCC badge
Air Training Corps Ensign RAF Ensign with RAF roundel replaced by ATC badge

[edit] Royal Standards

[edit] Queen Elizabeth II

Flag Date Use Description
1837 - The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom (except Scotland) A banner of the Queen's Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
c.1930 - The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom (only Scotland) A banner of the Queen's Arms used in Scotland, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom used in Scotland
1952 - Personal Flag of Queen Elizabeth II, used by the Queen in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth A crowned letter 'E' in gold, surrounded by a garland of gold roses on a blue background

[edit] Standards & Banners of the Prince of Wales

Flag Date Use Description
Standard of the Prince of Wales, used in England and Northern Ireland A banner of the Coat of Arms of the Prince of Wales, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom defaced with a label of three points. In the centre on an inescutcheon, ensigned with a representation of the coronet of the Prince of Wales, the Coat of arms of Wales.
Standard of the Prince of Wales as Duke of Cornwall 15 golden circles ("bezants") on a black field
Standard of the Prince of Wales as Duke of Rothesay. The Royal Standard of Scotland defaced with a label of three points.[6]
Banner of the Prince of Wales as Duke of Rothesay Banner of the Duke's Arms, 1st and 4th quarters representing the title of Great Steward of Scotland, the 2nd and 3rd quarters representing the title of Lord of the Isles. In the centre on an inescutcheon the arms of the heir apparent to the King of Scots
1962 - Banner of the Prince of Wales, used in Wales A banner of the Coat of Arms of Wales. In the centre on an inescutcheon the coronet of the Prince of Wales

[edit] Other members of the Royal Family

Flag Date Use Description
1948 - Standard of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh A banner of the Coat of Arms of the Duke of Edinburgh, 1st quarter representing Denmark, 2nd quarter Greece, 3rd quarter the Mountbatten family, 4th quarter Edinburgh
2000 - Standard of HRH Prince William of Wales Banner of the Prince's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a three point label, the centre label bearing an Escallop in reference to the arms of Diana, Princess of Wales
2002 - Standard of HRH Prince Henry of Wales Banner of the Prince's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label, the first, centre and fifth labels bearing an Escallop in reference to the arms of Diana, Princess of Wales
1978 - Standard of HRH The Duke of York Banner of the Duke's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a three point label, the centre label bearing a blue anchor
2006 - Standard of HRH Princess Beatrice of York Banner of the Princess's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label with three bees in alternating points
2008 - Standard of HRH Princess Eugenie of York Banner of the Princess's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label with three thistle heads in alternating points
Standard of HRH The Earl of Wessex Banner of the Earl's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a three point label, the centre label bearing a Tudor Rose
Standard of HRH The Princess Royal Banner of the Princess's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a three point label, the first and third labels bearing a red cross, the centre label bearing a red heart.
1962 - Standard of HRH The Duke of Gloucester Banner of the Duke's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label, the first, third and fifth labels bearing a red cross, the second and fourth labels bearing a red lion.
Standard of HRH The Duke of Kent Banner of the Duke's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label, the first, third and fifth labels bearing a blue anchor, the second and fourth labels bearing a red cross.
Standard of HRH Prince Michael of Kent Banner of the Prince's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label, the first, third and fifth labels bearing a red cross, the second and fourth labels bearing a blue anchor.
1961 - Standard of HRH Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy Banner of the Princess's Coat of Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label, the first and fifth labels bearing a red heart, the third label bearing a red cross, the second and fourth labels bearing a blue anchor.

[edit] Others

Flag Date Use Description
1323 - The Royal Standard of Scotland A banner of the ancient Royal coat of arms of Scotland, now officially used in Scotland by representatives of the sovereign, including the First Minister of Scotland, (as keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland), the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Lord Lyon King of Arms and Lord-Lieutenants within their lieutenancies.[7] This flag is also used at the Royal residences of Holyrood Palace and Balmoral Castle when the sovereign is not present.
Flag used by the Lord-Lieutenants, the sovereign's representative in the counties of the United Kingdom, except by those in Scotland. (see above). The Union Flag, defaced with a sword, crowned.
Standard of the Duchy of Lancaster The Royal Standard of England, with a three point label, each containing three fleurs-de-lis
Standard of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports A banner of the Lord's coat of arms featuring three Lions passant guardant con-joined to these hulls, all in gold

[edit] Military flags and ex-services flags

Flag Date Use Description
1801 - Ensign of the Royal Navy The White Ensign
Non Ceremonial Flag of the British Army A red field defaced with the badge of the British Army.
1921 - Ensign of the Royal Air Force A light blue ensign defaced with the Royal Air Force roundel
1941 - 1996 Ensign of the Royal Observer Corps A light blue ensign defaced with the Royal Observer Corps badge.
1921 - Ensign of the Royal Civil Defence A light blue and yellow ensign defaced with the letters CD.
1956 - Flag of the Joint Services A dark blue, red and light blue tricolour defaced with the Joint Service badge.
Ensign of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary A blue ensign defaced with a yellow anchor
Flag of the Royal British Legion A blue ensign with a yellow band across the middle with the words British Legion and the name of the branch
Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution A red cross with a blue border on a white field, with the letters RNLI in red in each quarter, defaced with a crowned anchor.
Ensign of the Lighthouse authorities A red ensign defaced with a Trinity House Jack
Flag of the Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom A fouled anchor on a crimson background

[edit] Government

Flag Date Use Description
Ensign of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of HM Customs and Excise
Ensign of Her Majesty's Coastguard A blue ensign defaced with the badge of HM Coastguard
Ensign of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency A blue ensign defaced with the badge of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency
Ensign of the Commissioners of the Northern Lights A blue ensign defaced with a lighthouse
Northern Lighthouse Board Commissioners Flag A White Ensign with a pre-1801 Union Flag in the canton, defaced with a blue lighthouse in the fly, is the only British flag to still use the pre-1801 Union Flag.[8] This flag is only flown from vessels with the Commissioners aboard and from the Headquarters of the NLB, in Edinburgh.
Flag of the Metropolitan Police The Badge of the Metropolitan Police on a blue background, with white squares at the edge

[edit] Church

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Anglican Communion A dark blue background with the symbol of the Anglican Communion (a compass rose surmounted by a bishop's mitre; in the centre is a cross of St. George). The Greek motto, Ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς ("The truth will set you free") is a quotation from John 8:32.
1999- Flag used by the Church of Ireland The flag of Saint Patrick is one of two flags authorised for use on Church of Ireland buildings and grounds. The other is that of the Anglican Communion above. [9]
Flag of the Church of Scotland The flag of Scotland with the burning bush in the centre.
Flag of Westminster Abbey Tudor arms between Tudor roses, above Edward the Confessor's arms.
Flag of the Church in Wales A navy blue cross with a celtic cross in the centre.
1878 - Standard of the Salvation Army

[edit] Diplomatic flags

Flag Date Use Description
Flag used on British Embassies (High Commissions fly the Union Flag) A Union Flag defaced with the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
Flag used on British consulates A Union Jack defaced with the Royal Crown
Flag used onboard British consular vessels A blue ensign with the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom

[edit] Channel Islands (Crown Dependencies and Appanage)

Flag Date Use Description
1993 - Flag of Alderney A red cross on a white field (St. George's Cross) with an inescutcheon of the island's coat of arms
1985 - Flag of Guernsey A golden cross within a red cross on a white field (St. George's Cross)
Flag of Herm A red cross on a white field (St. George's Cross) with the coat of arms of the island in the canton
1981 - Flag of Jersey A red saltire on a white field defaced with the island's badge
1938 - Flag of Sark A red cross on a white field (St. George's Cross) with two lions (the arms of the Plantagenet Dukes of Normandy) in the canton. Strictly speaking, this is the personal flag of the Seigneur.

[edit] Isle of Man (Crown Dependency)

Flag Date Use Description
1226 - Flag of the Isle of Man A triskelion on a red field
Civil Ensign of the Isle of Man A red ensign with a triskelion

[edit] Overseas territories

In 1999, the maritime flags of the British Overseas Territories were updated at the request of the Ministry of Defence. The white discs were removed from the field of the flags and each respective coat of arms was increased in size for ease of identification. As the MOD only had authority over sea flags, the Governments of the Overseas Territories were free to continue using the flags with white discs on land. The Overseas Territories' governments did switch to the updated flags over a staggered period of time, however some old-style flags with white discs may still be seen.

Flag Date Use Description
Flag used in Akrotiri and Dhekelia and Ascension Island The Union Flag is used as no territory flag exists
1990 - Flag of Anguilla A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Anguilla
1910 - Flag of Bermuda A red ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Bermuda
1963 - Flag of the British Antarctic Territory A white ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of the British Antarctic Territory
1990- Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory A blue ensign with white wavy lines, defaced with the Coat of Arms of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
1960 - Flag of British Virgin Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of the British Virgin Islands
1958 - Flag of Cayman Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Cayman Islands
1948 - Flag of Falkland Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Falkland Islands
1982 - Flag of Gibraltar Two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the centre of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centred in the red band
1909 - Flag of Montserrat A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Montserrat
1984 - Flag of Pitcairn Island A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Pitcairn Island
1984 - Flag of Saint Helena A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Saint Helena
1985 - Flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
2002 - Flag of Tristan da Cunha, a dependency of Saint Helena A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Tristan da Cunha.
1968 - Flag of Turks and Caicos Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands

[edit] Gibraltar

Flag Date Use Description
1982 - Flag of Gibraltar Two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the centre of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centred in the red band
1921 - Government Ensign A British Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton and the badge of Gibraltar in the fly
1996 - Civil Ensign A British Red Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton and the badge of Gibraltar in the fly
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of Gibraltar A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Gibraltar

[edit] Governors' flags

Prior to 1999, all Governors' flags had smaller discs and the outer green garland without the gold ring. Therefore the dates given do not reflect this minor, consistent change.

Flag Date Use Description
1990 - Personal flag of the Governor of Anguilla A Union Flag defaced with the Coat of arms of Anguilla
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of Bermuda A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Bermuda
1962 - Personal flag of the Commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory
1990 - Flag of the Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory A design based on the Blue Ensign with a Union Jack in the union and wavy white lines going horiontally along the field, defaced with the Coat of arms of the British Indian Ocean Territory. This flag is also used as the de facto flag of the Territory.
1971 - Personal flag of the Governor of the British Virgin Islands A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the British Virgin Islands
1971 - Personal flag of the Governor of the Cayman Islands A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Cayman Islands
1948 - Personal flag of the Governor of the Falkland Islands A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of Gibraltar A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Gibraltar
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of Montserrat A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Montserrat
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of the Pitcairn Islands A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Pitcairn Islands
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of Saint Helena (including dependencies) A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Saint Helena
1999 - Personal flag of the Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
2002 - Personal flag of the Administrator of Tristan da Cunha A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Tristan da Cunha. The Administrator is subservient to the Governor of Saint Helena
 ? - Personal flag of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands

[edit] Counties, Regions and Cities

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Berkshire
(private proposal)
Two horizontal bands of white over light blue, bearing, overall, a stylised image of a golden deer and oak.
12th century St Piran's Flag, the Flag of Cornwall[10] A white cross on a black field
2006 - Flag of Derbyshire[10][11] A green cross with a white border on a sky blue field, with a gold Tudor rose in the centre.
2003 - Flag of Devon, St Petroc's flag[10][12] A white cross with a black border on a green field.
2008 - Flag of Dorset, The Dorset Cross alias St Wite's Cross[10][12] A white cross with a red border on a gold field.
1900 - Flag of East Anglia.[10] The arms ascribed to the Wuffingas dynasty of East Anglia, three crowns on a blue shield, superimposed on a St. George's cross.
Flag of Essex[10] A red field with three white, gold hilted Saxon swords or Seaxes.
2008 Flag of Gloucestershire The Severn Cross[10][12] The winning entry in a competition to commemorate the county's millennium.
Flag of Huntingdonshire(unofficial) On a green background, a gold, ribboned hunting horn - detail taken from the crest of the county arms (full achievement).
Flag of the Isle of Wight[10] A pale blue field with a nicked rhombus (a representation of the island's shape) and at the bottom six alternating bars wavy, navy blue and white.
Flag of the Isles of Scilly[10] The Scillonian Cross
Flag of Kent[10] A red field with the white horse of Kent in the centre.
2008 - Flag of Lancashire[10] The red rose of Lancashire on a yellow field.
2005 - Flag of Lincolnshire[10][11] A red cross with yellow trimming on a blue and green field, and a yellow fleur de lys in the middle of the cross.
Flag of Mercia A gold saltire on a blue field (Cross of St Alban); the traditional flag of the Kingdom of Mercia, still flown on Tamworth Castle.
Flag of Middlesex[10] A red field with three white, gold hilted Saxon swords or Seaxes under a gold Saxon crown.
1951 Flag of Northumberland[10]
Local authority flag with use permitted to local people. Based on the St Oswald banner (below)[13].
Interpretation of 7th century banner Reconstructed flag of Northumbria or Bernicia The gold and red banner attributed to King Oswald[14].
2007 - Flag of Orkney[15][10] A blue Nordic cross outlined in yellow on a red field.
Flag of the Outer Hebrides
Flag of Pembrokeshire[10] A yellow cross on a blue field with a variation of the red and white Tudor rose in the centre
1969 - Flag of Shetland[15][10] A white Nordic cross on a light blue field
Flag of Suffolk
(private proposal)
A cross of Saint George bearing a shield of arms attributed to the martyred Saint Edmund.
Flag of Sussex[11] A background divided red and blue bearing six traditional golden (yellow)martlets over a stylised representation of the waves on the Sussex shoreline.
Flag of Wessex A gold wyvern on a red field.
Flag of Wiltshire (private proposal, design under copyright) Alternating downward angled stripes of green and white bearing a green disc within six alternating green and white sections, on which stands an image of a Great Bustard.[16]
Flag of Yorkshire[10] A White Rose on a blue field.

[edit] Local authority flags

Certain local authorities fly their own flags. Generally such a flag is a banner of the civic arms.

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Aberdeen Three White/Grey Castles on a Red Field, taken from the city's coat of arms.
Bedfordshire County Council Red and gold quarters split horizontally by blue and white waves and vertically with a black band containing three white shells.

The red and gold quarters are from the arms of the Beauchamps, the leading family in the county after the Norman Conquest. The waves signify the River Ouse, and the shells are from the arms of the Russell Family, commemorating their services to the state and to the county.

[[File:|100px|border]] City of Belfast A banner of the City's coat of arms.
Buckinghamshire County Council Black and red vertical stripes with a white swan
City of Cardiff A banner of the City's coat of arms.
Dorset County Council. A commercially available banner of the county council's arms.
City of Durham. A red cross cross outlined in white on a black field.
Herefordshire Council (unofficial and informal) Derived from county council's coat of arms.
City of London A red cross on a white field, with a red sword in the canton. A banner of the arms of the City of London Corporation
Rutland Council A green background strewn with golden acorns, surrounding a central golden horseshoe.

[edit] Countries, states, etc.

See Here for international flags featuring the Union Jack (Eg. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tuvalu, British Columbia, Ontario and Hawaii)

National and regional flags incorporating the Union Flag
Anguilla | Australia | Bermuda | British Antarctic Territory | British Columbia | British Indian Ocean Territory | British Virgin Islands | Canadian Red Ensign | Cayman Islands | Cook Islands | Falkland Islands | Fiji | Hawaii | Manitoba | Montserrat | New South Wales | New Zealand | Niue | Ontario | Pitcairn Islands | Queensland | Saint Helena | South Australia | South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | Tasmania | Tristan da Cunha | Turks and Caicos Islands | Tuvalu | Victoria | Western Australia

[edit] Miscellaneous

Flag Date Use Description
Unofficial Cornish ensign The flag of Cornwall (a white cross on a black field), with the Union Flag in the canton.
Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution A red cross with a blue border on a white field, with the letters RNLI in red in each quarter, defaced with a crowned anchor
2002 - Flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation A white flag with the emblem of the Commonwealth Games Federation in the centre.
Flag of the St John Ambulance Brigade
Flag of Saint David A gold cross on a black field

[edit] Historical flags

[edit] National flags and ensigns

Flag Date Use Description
1953 - 1972 The Ulster Banner - Flag of the Former Government of Northern Ireland between (1953-1972) and still used to represent Northern Ireland in some sporting events in which Northern Ireland competes A red cross on a white field with a red hand, on a six pointed white star, crowned (representing the six counties in Northern Ireland). The Ulster Banner ceased to be officially recognised with the passing of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 which dissolved the Parliament of Northern Ireland.
1606 - 1801 Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain (From 1707) First version of the Union Flag used in England from 1606 and Scotland from 1707 - the Flags of England and Scotland superimposed.
1606 - 1707 Scottish Union Flag The alternative Union Flag as often used in Scotland prior to 1707.[17][18]
1783 - 1922 Saint Patrick's saltire, the symbol of the Most Illustrious Order of Saint Patrick, the British order of chivalry associated with Ireland. A red saltire on a white field. Used to represent Ireland in the Union Flag and unofficially to represent Ireland from the Act of Union to the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
1620 - 1707 English Red Ensign The Red Ensign of the English Royal Navy
1620 - 1707 English White Ensign The White Ensign of the English Royal Navy
1620 - 1707 English Blue Ensign The Blue Ensign of the English Royal Navy
- 1707 Scottish Red Ensign, used by the Royal Scottish Navy A red ensign with the Flag of Scotland in the canton
1707 - 1801 Red Ensign of Great Britain The Red Ensign with the first version of the Union Flag. This was the flag flown over the United States of America prior to the American Revolution
1707 - 1801 White Ensign of Great Britain The White Ensign with the first version of the Union Flag
1707 - 1801 Blue Ensign of Great Britain The Blue Ensign with the first version of the Union Flag
1649 - 1651 Flag of the Commonwealth of England St. George's Cross and an Irish Harp juxtaposed.
1651 - 1658 Flag of the Commonwealth of England St. George's Cross and St. Andrew's cross quartered.
1658 - 1660 Flag of The Protectorate The 1606 Union Jack defaced with an Irish Harp.

[edit] British Empire and overseas territories

[edit] Aden

Flag Date Use Description
1838 - 1967 Flag of the Colony of Aden A blue ensign defaced with an Arab ship inside a disc

[edit] Antigua and Barbuda

Flag Date Use Description
- 1967 Flag of Antigua and Barbuda A blue ensign defaced with the colonial coat of armas of Antigua

[edit] Barbados

Flag Date Use Description
1885 - 1958 Flag of the Colony of Barbados A Blue Ensign with an emblem of Barbados
1958 - 1966 Flag of the Colony of Barbados A Blue Ensign with an emblem of Barbados

[edit] Burma

Flag Date Use Description
1937 - 1948 Flag of Burma A blue ensign defaced with a peafowl inside a disc

[edit] British Cameroons

Flag Date Use Description
1922 - 1961 Flag of the British Cameroons A blue ensign defaced with the words British Cameroon surrounded bananas all inside a white disc

[edit] Canada

Flag Date Use Description
1957 - 1965 Flag of Canada A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada
1921 - 1957 Flag of Canada A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada at that time
1868 - 1921 Flag of Canada A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada at that time

[edit] Ceylon

Flag Date Use Description
1815 - 1948 Flag of Ceylon A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Ceylon

[edit] Cyprus

Flag Date Use Description
1922 - 1960 Flag of Cyprus A blue ensign defaced with two red lions

[edit] Dominica

Flag Date Use Description
1955 - 1965 Flag of Dominica A Blue Ensign with an emblem of Dominica
1965 - 1978 Flag of Dominica A Blue Ensign with an emblem of Dominica

[edit] Falkland Islands

Flag Date Use Description
1948 - 1999 Flag of the Falkland Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of the Falkland Islands on a white disc in the fly

[edit] Gibraltar ensign

Flag Date Use Description
1875 - 1921 Historical Government Ensign A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Gibraltar on a white disc in the fly

[edit] Gilbert and Ellice Islands

Flag Date Use Description
1932 - 1976 Flag of Gillbert and Ellice Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Gilbert and Ellice Islands

[edit] Gold Coast

Flag Date Use Description
1821 - 1957 Flag of the Colony of Gold Coast A blue ensign defaced with an elephant and the letters GC under the feet of the elephant all inside a disc

[edit] British Guiana

Flag Date Use Description
1919 - 1954 Flag of the British Guiana A blue ensign defaced with a sailing ship and the motto inside an oval

[edit] British Honduras

Flag Date Use Description
1919 - 1981 Flag of the British Hoduras A blue ensign defaced with a the coat of arms of the British Honduras

[edit] Hong Kong

Flag Date Use Description
1870 - 1873 Flag of Hong Kong A blue ensign defaced with the letters HK and a royal crown in a white disc
1876 - 1910 Flag of Hong Kong A blue ensign defaced with the Colonial Badge of Hong Kong
1910–1941,
1945–1959
Flag of Hong Kong A blue ensign defaced with the Colonial Badge of Hong Kong
1959-1997 Flag of Hong Kong A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Hong Kong in a white disc
Late 1980s-1997 Unofficial merchant ensign of Hong Kong A red ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Hong Kong in a white disc

[edit] India

Flag Date Use Description
1858 - 1947 Flag of British India A red ensign defaced with the shield of the Order of the Star of India
1858-1947 British Indian Blue Ensign A Blue ensign with the Star of India, used as the naval flag

[edit] United States of the Ionian Islands

Flag Date Use Description
1815 - 1864 Flag of the Ionian Islands A blue ensign defaced with the shield of the symbol of Mark the Evangelist (symbol of the Republic of Venice)

[edit] Jamaica

Flag Date Use Description
1875 - 1906 Colonial Flag of Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white circle
1906 - 1957 Colonial Flag of Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white circle
1957 - 1962 Colonial Flag of Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white circle
1962 Colonial Flag of Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white circle

[edit] Kenya Colony

Flag Date Use Description
1920 - 1963 Flag of Colony of Kenya A blue ensign defaced with a red rampant lion

[edit] Malayan Union

Flag Date Use Description
1946 - 1948 Flag of the Federated Malay States The flag was striped horizontally with an overall 1:2 to ratio with white stripe at the top, red, yellow and black at the bottom. In the center was a white oblong, with a horizontal major axis, and a Malayan tiger (Malay: Harimau Malaya) leaping, face to the left

[edit] Malta

Flag Date Use Description
1802 - 1964 Colonial Flag of Malta A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Malta in a white disc

[edit] Nigeria

Flag Date Use Description
1800 - 1960 Flag of the Colony of Nigeria A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of the colonial Nigeria

[edit] North Borneo

Flag Date Use Description
1882 - 1963 Flag of North Borneo A blue ensign defaced with the Badge of North Borneo

[edit] Northern Rhodesia

Flag Date Use Description
1939 - 1953, 1963-1964 Flag of Northern Rhodesia A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Northern Rhodesia

[edit] Nyasaland

Flag Date Use Description
1907 - 1953, 1963-1964 Flag of Nyasaland A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Nyasaland

[edit] British Mandate of Palestine

Flag Date Use Description
1927-1948 Flag of the British Mandate of Palestine A red ensign defaced with the word Palestine inside a white disc, for used by ships registered in the territory. The Union Jack was used as the general land flag of the mandate.

[edit] Territory of Papua

Flag Date Use Description
1906-1949 Flag of the Territory of Papua A blue ensing defaced with a crown and the word Papua underneath inside a white disc

[edit] Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla

Flag Date Use Description
1958-1983 Flag of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla A blue ensign defaced with the emblem of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla

[edit] Saint Lucia

Flag Date Use Description
1875-1939 Flag of Saint Lucia A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Saint Lucia
1939-1967 Flag of Saint Lucia A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Saint Lucia

[edit] Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Flag Date Use Description
-1979 Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

[edit] British Somaliland

Flag Date Use Description
1950-1960 Flag of the British Somaliland A blue ensign defaced with the shield of arms of the British Somaliland

[edit] South Africa

Flag Date Use Description
1795 - 1910 Flag of Cape Colony A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Cape Colony
1900 - 1910 Flag of the Orange River Colony A blue ensign defaced with a springbok antelope in a disc
1900-1910 Flag of Transvaal - "Vierkleur". The flag features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue (recalling the Dutch national flag), with a vertical green stripe at the hoist, and was known as the Vierkleur (lit. four colours).
1910-1928 Flag of the Union of South Africa A red ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of the Union of South Africa
1928-1994 Flag of the Union of South Africa Variation of the flag of the Dutch East India Company at the Cape (without the VOC logo in the centre) from 1652 until 1795, with three smaller flags centred in the white stripe. The smaller flags were the Union Flag towards the hoist, the Orange Free State Vierkleur hanging vertically and the Transvaal Vierkleur towards the fly.

[edit] Southern Rhodesia

Flag Date Use Description
1923 - 1953 Flag of Southern Rhodesia A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Southern Rhodesia
1953 - 1963 Flag of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
1963-1980 Flag of Rhodesia A light blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Southern Rhodesia

[edit] Straits Settlements

Flag Date Use Description
1874-1942 Flag of the British Straits Settlements A blue ensign defaced with a white disc containing three gold crown; one for each settlement separated with a red inverted pall, which looks like an inverted Y

[edit] Tanganyika

Flag Date Use Description
1919 - 1961 Flag of Tanganyika A red ensign defaced with the head of a giraffe in a white disc

[edit] Trinidad and Tobago

Flag Date Use Description
1889 - 1962 Colonial flag of Trinidad & Tobago A blue ensign defaced with a circular badge depicting a ship arriving in front of a mountain

[edit] Uganda Protectorate

Flag Date Use Description
1914 - 1962 Flag of Uganda A blue ensign defaced with a Grey Crowned Crane inside a disc

[edit] Royal standards

Flag Date Use Description
1198 - 1340 Royal Banner of King Richard I Gules, three lions passant regardant in pale or.
1340-1406 Royal Banner of King Edward III The Coat of Arms of England quartered with the Royal Standard of France, the Fleur-de-lis representing the English claim to the French throne.
1406 - 1603 Royal Banner of King Henry IV The French quartering has been altered to three fleurs-de-lys.
1603 - 1649, 1660 - 1689, 1702 - 1707 Royal Standard of the House of Stuart, used first by King James VI/I A banner of the Royal Coat of Arms of James I, first and fourth quarters representing England and the English claim to the French throne, second quarter representing Scotland, third quarter representing Ireland (This is the first time that Ireland has been represented on the Royal Standard).
1707 - 1714 Royal Standard of the House of Stuart, under Queen Anne after the Acts of Union A banner of the Royal Coat of Arms of Queen Anne, first and fourth quarters representing (newly unified) England and Scotland, second quarter representing the (English) claim to the French throne, third quarter representing Ireland.
1814 - 1837 Royal Standard of the House of Hanover from 1814 to 1837 A banner of the Royal Coat of Arms of King George III, first and fourth quarters representing England, second quarter representing Scotland, third quarter representing Ireland, with an escutcheon for Hanover.

[edit] Members of the Royal Family

Flag Date Use Description
1936 - 2002 Standard of Queen Elizabeth, consort of King George VI The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom impaled with the Arms of the Earl of Strathmore
1910 - 1953 Standard of Queen Mary, consort of King George V The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom impaled with the Arms of Prince Francis, Duke of Teck (the Queen's father) and Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (the Queen's maternal grandfather)
1901 - 1928 Standard of Queen Alexandra, consort of King Edward VII The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom impaled with the Arms of the King of Denmark.
1944 - 2002 Standard of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a three point label, first and third labels bearing a Tudor rose, the second label bearing a thistle proper.
1917 - 1981 Standard of Princess Alice of Albany The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom with a five point label, the first, second, fourth and fifth labels bearing a red heart, the third label bearing a red cross.

[edit] Welsh Royal Standards

Flag Date Use Description
1401 - 1416 Banner adopted by Owain Glyndŵr and thought to be derived from the counter-charged arms of the princely Houses of Mathrafal and Dinefwr. It is currently in use by the National Eisteddfod for Wales, Cymdeithas yr iaith and widely amongst independentist groups Quarterly Or and Gules, four Lions rampant counter-charged
c.1195 - 1378 Banner of the princely House of Aberffraw and the Kingdom of Gwynedd famously used by Llywelyn the Great, Llywelyn the Last and Owain Lawgoch. The English Prince of Wales uses a version of this flag today emblazoned with a Crown on a green shield Quarterly Or and Gules, four Lions passant guardant counter-charged langued and armed Azur
c.1100 - c.1400 Banner of the princely House of Mathrafal used during the early Middle Ages by the rulers of Powys, Powys Wenwynwyn and later by their heirs the de la Pole (Powysian) dynasty. Modern use is rare Or a Lion rampant Gules langued and armed Azure
c.1100 - c.1300 Banner of the princely House of Dinefwr and the Kingdom of Deheubarth, a realm which covered much of south Wales. The banner would have been used during the early Middle Ages and later by the Talbot dynasty who inherited the arms. Modern use is rare Gules a Lion rampant Or, a border engrailed of the last
c.1240 - 1282 Banner of the personal arms of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd Argent three Lions passant Gules
c.1160 - c.1350 Banner of Madog ap Gruffudd Maelor, and later the Banner of Powys Fadog Argent a Lion rampant Sable langued and armed Gules

[edit] Battle flags

Flag Date Use Description
c.1400 - 1416 Banner known as the Y Ddraig Aur or "Golden Dragon" which has ancient origins. It was famously raised over Caernarvon in 1400 by Owain Glyndwr prior to his storm and seizing of the castle Argent a dragon rampant Or

[edit] Governor's flags

Flag Date Use Description
1959-1997 Flag flown on Government House, Hong Kong and the Governor's official car during British rule A Union Flag defaced with the then Coat of arms of Hong Kong
1855-1947 Flag used by the British Governors-General, Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Chief Commissioners and other British officers in India A Union Jack defaced with the Star of India surmounted by a Crown.
1875-1948 Flag used by the British Governor of Ceylon A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Ceylon.
1875 - 1906 Flag of the Governor of Jamaica A Union Flag defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica
1906 - 1957 Flag of the Governor of Jamaica A Union Flag defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica
1957 - 1962 Flag of the Governor of Jamaica A Union Flag defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica
1962 Flag of the Governor of Jamaica A Union Flag defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica
 ? - 1973 Personal flag of the Governor of Northern Ireland A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Northern Ireland

[edit] Other

Flag Date Use Description
1600 - 1858 Flag of the English/British East India Company Numerous white and red stripes with the St George's Cross in the canton, the number of stripes was not determined.
1707 - 1858 Flag of the British East India Company Numerous white and red stripes with the Union Flag of Great Britain in the canton. Accepted to be one of the inspirations for the Grand Union Flag that eventually evolved into the Flag of the United States.
1801 - 1858 Flag of the British East India Company Numerous white and red stripes with the Union Flag of the United Kingdom in the canton.
1801 - 1922 Flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland The Union Flag defaced with the Coat of Arms of Ireland.
circa 1701 - post 1800 Green Ensign An unofficial merchant navy flag consisting of a green field with an earlier version of the golden harp and the Flag of England in the canton, no record of its actual use.
post 1800 - c.1922 Green Ensign An unofficial merchant navy flag consisting of green field with golden harp and the Union Flag in the canton, no record of its actual use.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Union Flags and flags of the United Kingdom
  2. ^ Lords Hansard text for 18 Jan 200718 Jan 2007 (pt 0002)
  3. ^ FIFA- Northern Ireland
  4. ^ UEFA- Northern Ireland
  5. ^ Commonwealth Games- Northern Ireland
  6. ^ image
  7. ^ The "Lion Rampant" Flag The Court of the Lord Lyon. Retrieved on 28 December 2008.
  8. ^ www.fotw.net/flags/gb-lthse.html#cnlc Flags of the World, Northern Lighthouse Commissioner's Flag
  9. ^ Church Of Ireland General Synod Sub Committee On Sectarianism Report April 1999
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Registered with the Flag Institute
  11. ^ a b c Chosen in a BBC competition
  12. ^ a b c Chosen in a local competition
  13. ^ Flag of Northumberland, selected by local Council.
  14. ^ Bede's Ecclesiatical History of the English People, Book III, Ch. 11: "And to furnish a lasting memorial of the royal saint, they hung the King's banner of purple and gold over his tomb."
  15. ^ a b Granted by the Lord Lyon
  16. ^ Wiltshire Flag | Flying the flag for Wiltshire
  17. ^ Scottish History Online
  18. ^ FOTW

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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