England's flag is the red cross of St George, the patron saint of England.
* The original St. George's flag, a red cross on a white field , was adopted by the Republic of Genoa in 1099, after the first crusade.
* Then, it was adopted by England and the City of London, in 1190, for use on their ships entering the Mediterranean Sea to benefit from the protection of the Geonoese fleet.
* The English Monarch paid an annual tribute to the Doge of Genoa for this privilege.
* Since then, that flag remains as both Genoa's & England's flag.
England is represented by the flag of St. George
* England is represented by the flag of St. George. England's flag has a white background with a red cross through it. (To me, it looks it the Red Cross symbol.)
* The flag consists of 3 heraldic crosses. It was Richard I (Richard The Lion Heart) of England who introduced the Cross of St. George, in 1194 A.D.
* The reason why it is white with a red cross through it is because that was St. George's emblem.
* The King's soldiers wore it on their tunics during war so that they didn't kill, or be killed by, their own men.
Colors: Red and White. White background with red cross
The red cross appeared as an emblem of England during the Middle Ages and the Crusades and is one of the earliest known emblems representing England.
The red cross on the white background is the symbol of St George, the patron saint of England.
The Union Flag, the flag of the United Kingdom of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is a mixture of the flags of England, Scotland and Ireland.
The blue is from the white x-shaped cross of St Andrew on a blue background of Scotland.
England's flag (not the British flag) is a red cross on a white background. This flag is the emblem or cross of St. George, the patron saint of England.
The Colours of the English Flag are 'English ' Red and White.
flag-of-england.
England's flag is the red cross of St George, a Video:
How the English St. George’s Cross evolved into the early Union Flag
Before 1606: England’s Own Flag
England’s national flag long predates the Union Flag.
St. George’s Cross — a red cross on a white field — was England’s emblem from the Middle Ages, commonly used by the 13th century.
It represented England alone and remained its national banner even as the kingdoms began political unions.
1603: The Crowns Unite
When James VI of Scotland became James I of England (1603), the two countries shared a monarch but remained legally separate states.
James I wanted a single flag to symbolize the united crowns.
1606: The First Union Flag
In 1606, a royal proclamation created the first official “Union Flag” for use at sea and by joint English–Scottish forces. It combined:
England’s St. George’s Cross
Scotland’s St. Andrew’s Saltire (white saltire on blue)
Design (1606)
The red cross of St. George was placed on top.
Behind it, the white St. Andrew’s saltire lay on a dark blue field.
The Scottish saltire was partially obscured, a point that some Scots disliked.
This flag represented the Union of the Crowns, not yet a political union.
1707: Acts of Union
The Kingdom of Great Britain was created in 1707, politically uniting England and Scotland.
The 1606 Union Flag became the official national flag of the new kingdom.
Throughout this period, England’s own flag continued to exist and was still used in many contexts, especially military and civic.
1606–1801 Usage Notes
The Union Flag was increasingly used on ships, fortifications, and government buildings.
England alone still used St. George’s Cross internally.
The Union Flag did not include Ireland yet.
1801: A Major Change — Ireland Joins
When the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland formed in 1801, a new element was added:
St. Patrick’s Saltire (red diagonal cross)
This created the modern Union Flag used today.
Summary Timeline
Before 1606
England’s flag: St. George’s Cross
1606
First Union Flag created by James I → combination of England + Scotland
1707
Acts of Union form Great Britain; the 1606 flag becomes the national flag
1606–1801
England still uses St. George’s Cross domestically
Union Flag represents the combined kingdoms of England + Scotland
1801
Union Flag redesigned to add St. Patrick’s Saltire after Ireland joins
When King James VI of Scotland
ascended to the English throne, thereby becoming James I of England, the
nationalflags of Englandand Scotland on land continued to be,
respectively, the red St George's cross and the white St Andrew's cross. "All
our subjects in this our isle and kingdom of Great Britain and the members
thereof, shall bear in their main top the red cross commonly called St George's
Cross and the white cross commonly called St. Andrew's Cross joined together
according to a form made by our heralds and sent to our Admiral to be published
to our said subjects."
Although the original design referred to has been
lost, it is presumed that it was the flag which, with the addition of the St
Patrick's cross, forms the basic design of the British Union Flag today. The
English were not overly pleased at the obscuring of the white field of the St
George'sflag. The Scots
proposed a number of alternative designs.
* The St George'sflagwith the St Andrew's flag in the
canton
* The St George'sflagwith a St Andrew's flag in each
quarter. In this bizarre design the white cross of the St Andrew's flag does
not extend to the corners of the flag.
* The St George's flag with a St Andrew's flag in the
centre.
As the above picture of the English Flag indicates the overall background is white
The description of the English Flag is as follows:
White with a centred red cross that extends to the edges of the flag
According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the English flag represent the following:
White - peace and honesty
Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour
Canton - Flag Terminology
Flag Terminology - Did you Know ?
The design and description uses specific flag terminology based on Heraldic principles
Animal blazons should always appear with the heads facing the flag - staff side
The Study of the Flags is called Vexillology
The Real St. George
George run the family estate in Palestine and was born of noble, Christian parents and was a Roman Soldier
He held the rank of a Roman Tribune. A Tribune was a Roman magistrate whose task it was to protect the people against oppression
The Emperor was Diocletian (245-313) who was a great persecutor of Christians
George complained personally to the Emperor about the harsh treatment and persecution of the Christians
Emperor Diocletian threw George into prison where he was tortured, but he refused to recant his Christian faith
He was sentenced to death, dragged through the streets and beheaded
He was martyred at Lydda in Palestine (Nicomedia) and became a cult figure for Christians
St. George became England's patron saint in the 14th century
The Legend of St. George and the Dragon
St George was venerated as a soldier saint
Many legends surrounded the honour and bravery of St. George - the most famous was the legend of St. George and the Dragon
According to legend a dragon was terrorising a Pagan land. The dragon was at first pacified by being fed sheep but then demanded human sacrifice including a beautiful princess
The brave St. George rode into the land and, single-handed, slaughtered the dragon
St. George the Saint of Battles
St George became the Saint of Battles and his symbol, the red cross on the white field, was closely associated with the Crusaders and King Richard the Lionheart
The Crusaders were Christian Knights who went on Crusades to free Jerusalem from the Infidels
The Knights wore chain mail armor which was covered by a surcoat. This livery was a white tabard, or tunic, emblazoned by the red cross of St. George.
Flag History ; Evolution:
The idea of flying a flag grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield
Shields were painted with emblems to identify Friend or Foe
Warriors needed to know where their leaders were - the custom of carrying a pole was adopted
An emblem such as a shield, animal or religious device was attached to the pole for identification
The emblems were also used for identity and to cover suits of armour - Coats of Arms were born
These emblems were the forerunners of modern flags
The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag - they were square and fastened to cross bars at the end of spears - the idea of fastening a flag to the side of a pole soon followed
The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating a new flag
English Flag Etiquette
English Flag etiquette is very strict and is is essential that Flag protocols and rules are followed correctly
Basic Flag Etiquette applies to all nations, including English as follows:
Etiquette relating to the order of precedence for the flag
National Flag of English
State Flag of English
Military Flag of English (in order of creation date)
Other Flag of English
The United Nations uses alphabetical order when presenting a national flag including the English Flag. Their flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag
The National flag of English should never be flown above another national flag on the same staff as this would suggest superiority, or conversely, inferiority of one flag, or Nation, over another
The English flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground
A tattered or faded flag of English should be removed and replaced with a new flag
Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the English flag is always flown the correct way up
A Flag of English, when in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect
Terminology; Etiquette in English Flag display
Hoist - the act or function of raising the English flag, as on a rope
Half Staff or Half Mast - the English flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole to denote grief and mourning
Performed by first raising the English flag to the top, then lowering the English Flag halfway
Manner of hoisting - The English flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
No disrespect should be shown to the English flag
The English flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way
The English flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on the flag of any nature
The English flag should be hoisted first and lowered last
International Flag relating to English Flag usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding English Flag Etiquette has provided a useful resource.
The History, Meaning, and Symbolism of the St George’s Cross
England’s flag—known as the St George’s Cross—is one of the most recognizable national symbols in the world. Simple in design yet rich in meaning, the red cross on a white background represents centuries of English history, identity, faith, and tradition. While it is often confused with the Union Jack, England’s flag has its own distinct story and symbolism.
This article explores what England’s flag stands for, where it came from, and why it remains important today.
What Is England’s Flag?
England’s national flag consists of:
A red vertical and horizontal cross
Set against a white background
This design is called the Cross of St George, named after Saint George, the patron saint of England.
Who Was St George?
St George was a Roman soldier and Christian martyr, believed to have lived in the 3rd century AD. According to tradition:
He refused to renounce his Christian faith
He was executed for his beliefs
His story became a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and moral strength
The most famous legend associated with St George is the tale of St George and the Dragon, where he slays a dragon to save a town—an allegory for:
Good overcoming evil
Faith triumphing over fear
Justice defeating tyranny
Because of these qualities, St George became a symbol admired by knights, soldiers, and monarchs.
How Did the Flag Become Associated with England?
The Crusades and Medieval England
The St George’s Cross became linked to England during the Crusades (11th–13th centuries):
English soldiers wore the red cross to identify themselves in battle
The cross symbolized divine protection and Christian unity
Over time, it became associated specifically with English forces
By the 13th century, English kings—especially Edward I—officially adopted the red cross as England’s emblem.
Symbolism of the Colors and Design
Though visually simple, the flag carries deep meaning:
🔴 Red Cross
Represents bravery, sacrifice, and military valor
Symbolizes the blood of martyrs, particularly St George
Reflects strength, courage, and honor
⚪ White Background
Stands for purity, peace, and sincerity
Represents moral integrity and faith
Together, the red and white design expresses the ideal of righteous courage—strength guided by principle.
Religious Significance
The St George’s Cross is deeply rooted in Christian symbolism:
The cross represents Christ’s crucifixion and redemption
It reflects England’s historical identity as a Christian kingdom
Churches, cathedrals, and religious banners often displayed the symbol
Even today, the flag is commonly seen during St George’s Day (April 23) celebrations.
England’s Flag vs. the Union Jack
A common misconception is that the Union Jack is England’s flag. In reality:
England’s flag: St George’s Cross (red on white)
Scotland’s flag: St Andrew’s Cross (white diagonal cross on blue)
Ireland’s flag (historically): St Patrick’s Cross (red diagonal cross)
The Union Jack combines these crosses to represent the United Kingdom, while the St George’s Cross represents England alone.
Modern Meaning and Cultural Identity
Today, England’s flag represents more than its medieval origins. It symbolizes:
National pride (especially during sporting events like football and rugby)
English heritage and identity
Unity and resilience
Historical continuity, linking modern England with its past
While its use has evolved, the flag remains a powerful emblem of England’s story.
Controversies and Reclamation
At times, the flag has been misused by extremist groups, leading to controversy. However:
The majority of English people view it as a positive symbol
There has been a strong cultural movement to reclaim the flag as one of inclusion, history, and shared identity
Why the Flag Still Matters
England’s flag endures because it represents:
Faith without fanaticism
Strength without aggression
Pride rooted in history, not hostility
Its simplicity makes it timeless, and its symbolism keeps it relevant.
Conclusion
England’s flag—the St George’s Cross—stands for:
Courage and bravery
Christian heritage
Medieval chivalry
National identity and pride
Though centuries old, it continues to speak to England’s values, struggles, and traditions. More than just fabric and color, it is a symbol of a nation’s enduring spirit.
OTHER SOURCES
England's flag is the red cross of St George, the patron saint of England.
Because the English Flag is Based on the Genoan Flag
* The original St. George's flag, a red cross on a white field , was adopted by the Republic of Genoa in 1099, after the first crusade.
* Then, it was adopted by England and the City of London, in 1190, for use on their ships entering the Mediterranean Sea to benefit from the protection of the Geonoese fleet.
* The English Monarch paid an annual tribute to the Doge of Genoa for this privilege.
THE HISTORY AND MEANING OF THE UNION JACK OR UNION FLAG
The British Flag: a Symbol of Unity
The Union Jack is a transnational flag full of historical significance. It represents the union of different countries and the growth of a family of nations whose influence extends far beyond the British Isles. This far-reaching influence is still seen today in the incorporation of the Union Jack in other national flags such as that of Australia. The British flag is called the "Union Jack", an expression that needs to be explained.
The Union Jack is a fine expression of unity as well as diversity. The British flag incorporates the national symbols of three distinct countries, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In fact its name "Union Jack" emphasises the very nature of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a union of nations.
The flag is also known by another name, this too, emphasising the idea of union: the "Union flag", perhaps a less common term but a little more precise. The countries comprising the British Isles are not inward-looking or isolated states with an insular mentality; together they constitute a powerful union that has spanned centuries.
Recent devolution that gave Scotland its own Parliament and Wales its own Assembly has also emphasised the importance of individual national identities within the union without affecting the essential unity of Great Britain. On the contrary, it has strengthened it. Recognition of, and respect for national identities are an essential ingredients for effective union. The Union Jack symbolises all this: respect for individuality within a closely knit community.
The "Union Jack" or "Union Flag" is a composite design made up of three different national symbols:
St. George's Cross,
the flag of EnglandSt. Andrew's Cross,
the flag of Scotland
St. Patrick's Cross,
the flag of Ireland
The cross represented in each flag is named after the patron saint of each country: St. George, patron saint of England, St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland and St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.
The image below renders the idea of the union of the three flags forming one unified, transnational Flag.
No mention has been made of the Welsh flag. The Welsh dragon was not incorporated into the Union Flag because Wales had already been united to England when the first version of the Union Flag was designed in 1606. It is, however, in common use:
The Welsh Dragon
THE HISTORY OF THE UNION JACK
The first step taken in the creation of the flag of Great Britain was on 12th April 1606. When King James VI of Scotland became king of England (King James I) it was decided that the union of the two realms under one king should be represented symbolically by a new flag. Originally
It consisted in the red cross of England superimposed on the white cross of Scotland on the blue background of the Scottish flag as in this illustration:
Thus we have the first flag of the union called, in fact, the "Union Flag".
What was meant to be a symbol of unity actually became a symbol of international controversy. The English resented the fact that the white background of their cross had disappeared and that the new flag had the blue Scottish background. On the other hand the Scottish resented the fact that the English red cross was superimposed on the Scottish white cross!! The old adage says you cannot please everyone but this first version of the Union Flag seemed to please no-one!!
Apparently there was an unofficial "Scottish version" that attempted to rectify the sense of injustice that the Scottish felt at this innovatory flag. A distinct reference was made to this version when the King visited Dumfries in 1618. Here is what it looked like:
The controversy was destined to last!! There is conflict in the best of families!!
However, the flag was usually restricted to use at sea until the two kingdoms of Scotland and England were united in 1707. It was most probably from this use at sea that it got the name "Jack" ("Union Jack"). It was usually flown at the bow end of the ship, from the jack staff.
An attempt was made to modify the flag under Oliver Cromwell. A harp was placed in the centre, representing Ireland. However, the original design was restored along with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
The flag continued to be used in its original form until Jan. 1, 1801. At that time, with the union of Ireland and Great Britain, it became necessary to represent Ireland in the Union Flag and so the cross of St. Patrick was include thus creating the flag as we now have it. When the southern part of Ireland gained its independence in 1921 and became the Irish Free State no alteration was made to the Union Jack.
The name "Union Jack" became official when it was approved in Parliament in 1908. It was stated that "the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag".
The England Flag consists of three
elements: the cross of St. George (red on white) for England, the cross of St.
Andrew (white diagonal on blue) for Scotland, and the so-called cross of St.
Patrick (red diagonal on white) for Ireland. The original Union Jack/Union Flag
adopted in 1606 was symmetrical: the red cross of St. George outlined in white
overlaid on top of a St. Andrew's flag, which was blue with a white X.
In 1801, an Act of Union which made Ireland a co-equal
member of the United Kingdom made it necessary to add a symbol for Ireland to
the flag, but without obliterating any of the existing symbols. If the St.
Patrick's cross had been centered on the diagonal stripes, then St. Andrew's
cross would have been relegated to an inferior position, basically serving only
as a border for St. Patrick's. The solution was to divide the diagonal stripes
diagonally, so that the red St. Patrick's cross would take up only half of each
stripe, and so that half devoted to St. Andrew would take the place of honor. Thus,
in the two hoist quarters, the white St. Andrew's cross occupies the upper
position, and in the two fly quarters, the red St. Patrick's cross occupies the
upper position.
That is only done with ensigns, in which the Union
emblem occupies only the upper hoist quarter of the flag. When a British (or
American) ensign is flown "union down," it is obviously
distinguishable from one flown in the normal fashion. An upside-down Union Jack
is not sufficiently different from a right side-up Union Jack to be useful as a
signal of anything except that the person hoisting it wasn't paying attention.
As originally designed (and approved prior to
introduction) the flag had red and white saltires of even width (counterchanged
at the central point as Joe explained) with a white fimbriation added to the
red. The present design where the white fimbriation is actually taken from the
red making the saltire of St Patrick narrower than that of St Andrew was an
Admiralty variant - dating originally from the shortly after the introduction
in 1801 - which has become established as the official design (except for
military colours which have even saltires).
If the St Patrick's Cross was centred on the St
Andrew's Cross, then it would look like Andrew was just a fimbriation for
Patrick. In reality, they are equal, and so you will note that the thin white
stripe next to the St Patrick's Cross is a fimbriation, whereas the Saint
Andrew's Cross of course needs no fimbriation. Why the anticlockwise attitude
of St Patrick vis-à-vis St Andrew?
Because The St Andrew's Cross, representing
Scotland, the older member of the United Kingdom, comes before Saint Patrick
for Ireland, a younger addition. When it was decided that the flags of England
and Scotland should be joined, "the plan adopted was not simply to unite
or join the two flags, but was an attempt to more than unite; the intention was
to amalgamate and interlace or combine the two so as to produce an appearance
of complete union."
The Union Jack by Emanuel Green, Archaeological
Journal December 1891). Impalement and quartering would each have resulted in a
flag where one or other of the constituent flags was in the superior position;
next to the hoist, or in the upper canton. Combining the two flags avoided
this, and heraldically could be done in one of two ways. The alternative to the
chosen method results in a white saltire fimbriated blue over the flag of St
George, with additional fimbriation of white where the blue fimbriation crosses
the red cross.
It was not an attempt to place the English cross in a superior
position. The Scottish variant is not heraldically correct since it is based on
a blue flag, which is not the flag of either country.
In the 1801 pattern of UJ, as originally designed, the
saltires of St Andrew and St Patrick were of even width, and were
"counter-changed" so as to give them (as nearly as possible) equal
importance, however, as the older symbol (and an established national flag) the
St Andrew was placed uppermost in the first quarter thus quite rightly giving
it the "position of honour" and precedence.
The official specification is based on 1/30ths of the
width (or height) of the flag. The St George's Cross is 6/30ths (1/5th) of the
width, the fimbriations to it are 2/30ths (1/15th) of the width. The St
Andrew's Cross is a total of 6/30ths (1/5th) of the width, measured
perpendicularly to the diagonal. This is made up, in the top hoist corner, top
to bottom, of 3/30ths white, 2/30ths red, 1/30th white. These dimensions apply
regardless of the length of the flag. An accurate drawing of the flag can be
found at this page, or on our page here.
My sources tell me that the proportions of Royal Navy
flags were set at 1:2 for ensigns and jacks, and 2:3 for command flags "
early in Queen Victoria's reign". Christopher Southworth, 18 April 2003
The Admiralty Flag Book of 1889 is not precise: "The
practice has been, in regard to the dimensions of flags generally, to make the
length twice the breadth at the head. Admiral, length is one and a half times
breadth."
the Scottish equivalent or “variant” of the Flag of England refers to Scotland’s own national flag, which is quite different in design and origin, but holds a parallel status to the English flag within the United Kingdom.
🏴 Flag of Scotland – The Saltire (St. Andrew’s Cross)
Description:
The Flag of Scotland, also known as the Saltire or the Cross of St. Andrew, features a white diagonal cross (an “X”-shaped cross, called a saltire) on a blue background.
📜 Historical Origins
The flag represents St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who, according to Christian tradition, was martyred on an X-shaped cross in the 1st century AD.
Legend says that the symbol first appeared in A.D. 832, before a battle near Athelstaneford in East Lothian.
The Scots, led by King Óengus (Angus) II, saw a white saltire appear in the blue sky — interpreted as a sign from St. Andrew promising victory.
Inspired by this vision, they won the battle, and the saltire became Scotland’s sacred emblem.
It is one of the oldest national flags in continuous use — possibly the oldest in Europe.
⚙️ Design and Specifications
Design: White diagonal cross (St. Andrew’s Cross) on a blue field.
Colors:
Blue: Traditionally a light sky blue, but since 2003 the official color has been standardized as Pantone 300 (azure blue).
White: Represents purity and peace.
Proportion: Usually 3:5 (same as most UK flags).
🏰 Relation to the Flag of England
The Scottish Saltire is to Scotland what the St. George’s Cross is to England — each represents a patron saint and stands as the national symbol of its respective country.
Feature
Flag of England
Flag of Scotland
Patron Saint
St. George
St. Andrew
Design
Red upright cross on white
White diagonal cross on blue
Symbolism
Courage, valor, and faith
Loyalty, humility, and truth
Introduced
12th–13th century
9th century (legendary), used by 13th century
Used In
England, part of Union Flag
Scotland, part of Union Flag
🇬🇧 Role in the Union Flag (Union Jack)
When the Union of the Crowns (1603) and later the Act of Union (1707) united England and Scotland, their two flags were combined:
The red cross of St. George (England) was superimposed over
The white saltire of St. Andrew (Scotland) on a blue field.
This fusion created the first version of the Union Flag, which was later modified in 1801 with the addition of St. Patrick’s red saltire (for Ireland), producing the modern Union Jack.
📅 Modern Use
The Saltire is the official flag of Scotland and flies from Scottish Government buildings, schools, and institutions across the country.
It is also used by Scottish sports teams, cultural events, and proudly displayed on St. Andrew’s Day (30 November).
It appears on other regional flags, such as the Royal Standard of Scotland (the red lion on yellow) when the monarch is in Scotland.
🕊️ Symbolism
White Saltire: Represents St. Andrew’s martyrdom and the ideals of peace, humility, and faith.
Blue Field: Symbolizes the sky and the divine protection of Scotland.
