List of British flags

This list includes flags that either have been in use or are currently used by the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and the Crown dependencies.

County flags flying in Parliament Square, London

The College of Arms is the authority on the flying of flags in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and maintains the only official register of flags for these countries.[1] It was established in 1484 and as part of the Royal Household operates under the authority of the Crown.[1] The Lord Lyon King of Arms holds a similar role within Scotland.[2] A separate private body called the Flag Institute, financed by its own membership, also maintains a registry of United Kingdom flags that it styles 'the UK Flag Registry', though this has no official status under UK law.[3]

Flags recognised by planning law

Certain classes of flag enjoy a special status within English planning law and can be flown without needing the planning permission normally required for advertisements. These include any country’s national flag, civil ensign or civil air ensign; the flag of the Commonwealth, the European Union, the United Nations or any other international organisation of which the United Kingdom is a member; a flag of any island, county, district, borough, burgh, parish, city, town or village within the United Kingdom; the flag of the Black Country, East Anglia, Wessex, any Part of Lincolnshire, any Riding of Yorkshire or any historic county within the United Kingdom; the flag of St David; the flag of St Patrick; the flag of any administrative area within any country outside the United Kingdom; any flag of Her Majesty’s Forces; and the Armed Forces Day flag.[4]

List of British flags
English flags
Northern Irish flags
Scottish flags
Welsh flags
Royal Standards
Former British Empire

Current national flags

National and subnational flags of the United Kingdom.[5]

United Kingdom

FlagDateUseDescriptionStatus
since 1801The Union Flag, also commonly known as the Union Jack.[6] Used as the flag of the United KingdomA superimposition of the flags of England and Scotland with the Saint Patrick's Saltire (representing Ireland).National flag used by government and civilian population.
Vertical national flag used by government and civilian population.

Countries of the United Kingdom

FlagDateUseDescriptionStatus
c. 1348[7]Flag of England, also known as the St George's CrossArgent a cross GulesNational flag of England also used by the Church of England, sports teams representing England and ordinary citizens.
1953–1972; unofficial since 1972Northern Ireland has no official nor universally accepted flagThe national flag of Northern Ireland is the Union Jack.[8] The Ulster Banner portrayed is from the former coat of arms of Northern Ireland and was the flag of the Government of Northern Ireland between 1953–1972. Since 1972 this flag has continued to be used for want of another distinctive flag, almost exclusively amongst the Unionist community.
c. 1286[9]Flag of Scotland, also known as the St Andrew's Cross, or the SaltireAzure a saltire ArgentNational flag used by Scottish Government and agencies, sports teams representing Scotland and by ordinary citizens.
1959 on
(variants first appeared c. 1485)
Flag of Wales, also known as the Red Dragon or Y Ddraig GochPer fess Argent and Vert, a dragon passant GulesNational flag used by the Welsh Government and agencies, sports teams representing Wales and by ordinary citizens.

The flags of England and of Scotland are ancient war flags which became by usage the national flags of the Kingdom of England (which included Wales) and of the Kingdom of Scotland respectively and continued in use until the Act of Union 1707. Thereafter they were as de facto flags of those parts of the United Kingdom. The flag of Wales was formalised in 1959, but has ancient origins, the dragon was used as a battle-flag by countless Welsh rulers, the current flag being a redesign of the flag carried by Henry Tudor.[10] The Flag of Northern Ireland is controversial.[11] The coat of arms of the Government of Northern Ireland, a red cross on a white field, defaced with a Red Hand of Ulster within a six pointed star topped with a crown, became used as a local flag, though the end of the province's Government in 1973 ended its official status. This flag has continued to be the internationally recognisable de facto flag of Northern Ireland through its use by international sporting organisations (for example FIFA,[12] UEFA,[13] and the Commonwealth Games)[14] to represent Northern Ireland, though locally it has the allegiance mainly of the Unionist community. The St Patrick's Saltire is also sometimes used by the UK government in London to represent Northern Ireland when a discrete Northern Ireland flag is required.[15][16]

The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (Crown dependencies)

FlagDateUseDescription
1993 onFlag of AlderneyA red cross on a white field (St George's Cross) with an inescutcheon of the island's coat of arms. Alderney is an autonomous Crown Dependency and is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Government Ensign of AlderneyA blue ensign with the arms of Alderney
1985 onFlag of GuernseyA golden cross within a red cross on a white field (St George's Cross). Guernsey is an autonomous Crown Dependency and is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
1985 onCivil Ensign of GuernseyA red ensign with a Gold Cross.
1985 onState Ensign of GuernseyA blue ensign with a Gold Cross.
Flag of HermA red cross on a white field (St George's Cross) with the coat of arms of the island in the canton. Herm is an island which belongs to the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
1931 onFlag of the Isle of ManA triskelion on a red field
1971 onCivil Ensign of the Isle of ManA red ensign with a triskelion
1981 onFlag of JerseyA red saltire on a white field defaced with the island's badge
2010 onCivil Ensign of JerseyA Red Ensign with the coat of arms of Jersey on
Government Ensign of JerseyA blue ensign with the arms of Jersey
1938 onFlag of SarkA 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 was the personal flag of the Seigneur. Sark is an autonomous Crown Dependency and is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Flag of BrecqhouFlag of Sark, defaced with the Brecqhou coat of arms.

British 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. Such flags have generally been adopted by Order in Council. Civil (Red Ensign) flags are under the control of the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Transport and are split into two categories: Category 1 is to register ships of unlimited tonnage and type. category 2 is to register commercial ships and yachts of up to 150 gross registered tons.[17]

FlagDateUseDescription
1990 onAnguillaA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Anguilla
Flag used in Akrotiri and DhekeliaThe Union Jack is used as no territory flag exists
2013 onAscension Island, an island of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Ascension Island
1999 onBermuda[18]A red ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Bermuda. Used on land and as the civil ensign. (Government ensign is blue.)
1963 onBritish Antarctic TerritoryA white ensign less the cross of St George defaced with the Coat of Arms of the British Antarctic Territory
1990 onBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryA blue ensign with white wavy lines, defaced with the Coat of Arms of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
1960 onBritish Virgin IslandsA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of the British Virgin Islands. Used on land and as the government ensign. The civil ensign is red.
1999 onCayman IslandsA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Cayman Islands. Used on land and as the government ensign. The civil ensign is red.
1999 onFalkland IslandsA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Falkland Islands. Used on land and as the government ensign. The civil ensign is red.
1982 onGibraltarTwo 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. This is the flag commonly used on land.
1999 onGibraltar (Government Ensign)A British Blue Ensign with the Union Jack in the canton and the badge of Gibraltar in the fly. This is the ensign for vessels owned by the Government, or in Government service.
1996 onGibraltar (Civil Ensign)[19]A British Red Ensign with the Union Jack in the canton and the badge of Gibraltar in the fly; the civil ensign for locally registered vessel.
1958 onMontserratA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Montserrat
1984 onPitcairn IslandsA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of the Pitcairn Islands
1984 onSaint Helena, an island of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Saint Helena
1985 onSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
2002 onTristan da Cunha, an island of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Tristan da Cunha
1968 onTurks and Caicos IslandsA blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Turks and Caicos Islands

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.

FlagDateUseDescription
1990 onPersonal flag of the Governor of AnguillaA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Anguilla
Before 2011Personal flag of the Governor of BermudaA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Bermuda
1962 onPersonal flag of the Commissioner of the British Antarctic TerritoryA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory
1990 onFlag of the Commissioner of the British Indian Ocean TerritoryA design based on the Blue Ensign with a Union Jack in the union and wavy white lines going horizontally 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 onPersonal flag of the Governor of the British Virgin IslandsA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the British Virgin Islands
1971 onPersonal flag of the Governor of the Cayman IslandsA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Cayman Islands
1948 onPersonal flag of the Governor of the Falkland IslandsA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands
Before 2011Personal flag of the Governor of GibraltarA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Gibraltar
Before 2011Personal flag of the Governor of MontserratA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Montserrat
Before 2011Personal flag of the Governor of the Pitcairn IslandsA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Pitcairn Islands
Before 2011Personal flag of the Governor of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaA Union Flag defaced with the Coat of arms of Saint Helena
1999 onPersonal flag of the Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
2002 onPersonal flag of the Administrator of Tristan da CunhaA Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Tristan da Cunha. The Administrator is subservient to the Governor of Saint Helena
Before 2011Personal flag of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos IslandsA Union jack defaced with the Coat of arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Ensigns

FlagDateUseDescription
1801 onBlue Ensign, used by some organisations or territories associated with the UK and also used by Royal Navy Reserve(not for sometime) Captain of Merchant Navy Ship – e.g., RMS Queen MaryA blue field, with a Union Jack in the canton
1864 onGovernment Service Ensign (previously the Transport Ensign or Admiralty Ensign)A blue ensign defaced with a horizontal yellow anchor
1801 onRed Ensign, used by the Merchant NavyA red field, with a Union Jack in the canton
Civil JackA Union Jack with a white border
1931 onCivil Air Ensign, used by civilian aircraft and at civil airportsA blue and white cross on a light blue field with the Union Jack in the canton
Unofficial Cornish ensign (or St Piran's Ensign) [20]The Cornish flag defaced with a Union flag in the canton.
2000Another unofficial Cornish ensign flown by the ship 'Sweet Promise' during the 'Brest 2000' festival.The Cornish flag defaced with the Standard of the Duke of Cornwall in the canton.
2003Unofficial Devon Ensign (or St Petroc's Ensign)The Devon flag defaced with a Union flag in the canton.
FlagDateUseDescription
1801 onWhite Ensign, Royal Navy, usually ships bearing the prefix HMS (but see blue ensign), and the Royal Yacht SquadronA red cross on a white field with the Union Jack in the canton
1968 onEnsign of the Royal Fleet AuxiliaryA blue ensign defaced with a vertical yellow anchor
1974–2008Ensign of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary ServiceA blue ensign defaced with a horizontal yellow anchor with two wavy yellow lines beneath
1963 onEnsign of the Royal Naval Auxiliary ServiceA blue ensign defaced with the shield of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service
Combined Cadet Force Naval Section EnsignRNR Blue Ensign with CCF Naval Section badge
Sea Cadet Corps EnsignRNR Blue Ensign with SCC badge
Flag of the Lord High Admiral of the United KingdomA fouled anchor on a crimson background
Flag of the Corps of Her Majesty's Royal MarinesA dark blue field with unequal horizontal yellow, green and red stripes, and the crest of the Royal Marines.
[[File: |100px|border]]Flag of the Commandant General Royal MarinesA dark blue field with a fouled anchor, lion and crown.

Army

FlagDateUseDescription
Non-Ceremonial Flag of the British ArmyA red field defaced with the badge of the British Army.
1838 onEnsign of the Corps of Royal EngineersA blue government ensign defaced with the crest of the coat of arms of the Board of Ordnance.
Camp Flag of the Royal Engineers
Ensign of the Royal Logistic Corps for use on vessels commanded by a commissioned officer.A blue government ensign defaced with the British Army badge of a crown and lion in front of crossed swords.
Ensign of the Royal Logistic Corps for use on vessels under command of a non-commissioned officer.A blue government ensign defaced by British Army crossed swords.

Air Force

FlagDateUseDescription
1921 onRoyal Air Force EnsignA RAF light blue field with the Royal Air Force roundel in the fly with a Union Jack in the canton
1945–1996Royal Observer Corps EnsignRAF Ensign with RAF roundel replaced by ROC badge
Air Training Corps EnsignRAF Ensign with RAF roundel replaced by ATC badge

Combined Forces

FlagDateUseDescription
1956 onFlag of the Joint ServicesA dark blue, red and light blue tricolour defaced with the Joint Service badge. A simplified version with the badge in black is also in use. The tricolour is a combination of the colours of the Armed Forces.
Flag of the Secretary of State for DefenceA dark blue, red and light blue horizontal tricolour defaced with a crown and lion. The tricolour is a combination of the colours of the Armed Forces.
1965 onFlag of the Chief of the Defence StaffA dark blue, red and light blue horizontal tricolour with a Union canton and defaced with the badge of the Chief of the Defence Staff. The tricolour is a combination of the colours of the Armed Forces.
1971 onEnsign of the Ministry of Defence PoliceA blue ensign defaced with the badge of the Ministry of Defence Police.

Yacht Club Ensigns

FlagBurgeeUseDescription
Ensign of the Royal Yacht SquadronThe same as the Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.
Ensign of the Royal Naval Sailing AssociationBlue Ensign.
Ensign of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Yacht ClubBlue Ensign.
Ensign of the Royal Southern Yacht ClubBlue Ensign.
Ensign of the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht ClubBlue Ensign.
Ensign of the Royal Thames Yacht ClubBlue Ensign.
Ensign of the Royal Southampton Yacht ClubThe blue ensign defaced with a crown in the middle of the Union Jack.
Ensign of the HMS Conway Cruising Association EnsignBlue Ensign, defaced with the Conway Castle Badge.
Ensign of the Little Ship ClubBlue Ensign, defaced with the LSC Emblem.
Ensign of the Poole Yacht ClubThe blue ensign with a defaced with the emblem of Poole Yacht Club.
Ensign of the Royal Channel Islands Yacht ClubThe blue ensign with a defaced the coat of arms of Jersey.
Ensign of the Royal Corinthian Yacht ClubThe blue ensign with a defaced with the emblem of Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.
Ensign of the Royal Cornwall Yacht ClubBlue Ensign, defaced with the Prince of Wales's feathers heraldic badge.
Ensign of the Royal Forth Yacht ClubThe blue ensign defaced by a Cross pattée, surmounted by the Crown of Scotland.
Ensign of the Royal Gibraltar Yacht ClubThe blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Gibraltar.
Ensign of the Royal Harwich Yacht ClubThe blue ensign defaced with a yellow rampant lion.
Ensign of the Portsmouth Yacht ClubThe blue ensign with a defaced with the emblem of Portsmouth Yacht Club.
Ensign of the Royal Ulster Yacht ClubThe blue ensign defaced with the Red Hand of Ulster and St Edward's Crown.
Ensign of the Sussex Yacht ClubThe blue ensign with a defaced with the emblem of Sussex Yacht Club.
Ensign of the House of Commons Yacht Club
Ensign of the Royal Dart Yacht Club.The red ensign defaced with a Royal Crown and a left pointed arrow under the Crown.
Ensign of the Royal Fowey Yacht ClubThe red ensign defaced with the Coronet of the Duke of Cornwall over the Shield of the Duchy of Cornwall.
Ensign of Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club
Ensign of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club
Ensign of the Royal Victoria Yacht ClubThe red ensign defaced with a Royal Crown and the letters 'VR' -Victoria Regina.
Ensign of the Royal Windermere Yacht ClubThe red ensign defaced with a Royal Crown.
Ensign of the Royal Yacht AssociationThe red ensign defaced with a Naval Crown.
Ensign of the St. Helier Yacht ClubThe red ensign defaced with an anchor and two crossed axes.
Ensign of the West Mersea Yacht Club.The red ensign deface with three swords (Essex symbol).
Ensign of the Royal Air Force Sailing AssociationThe RAF Ensign defaced with an eagle.

Royal Standards

Queen Elizabeth II

FlagDateUseDescription
1837 onThe Royal Standard of the United Kingdom (except Scotland)A banner of the Queen's Arms, the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
1837 onThe 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 onPersonal Flag of Elizabeth II, used by the Queen in her capacity as Head of the CommonwealthA crowned letter 'E' in gold, surrounded by a garland of gold roses on a blue background

Standards and Banners of the Prince of Wales

FlagDateUseDescription
Standard of the Prince of Wales, used in England and Northern IrelandA 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 Cornwall15 golden circles (bezants) on a black field
Standard of the Prince of Wales as Duke of Rothesay.The Royal Banner of Scotland defaced with a label of three points.[21]
Banner of the Prince of Wales as Duke of RothesayBanner 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 onBanner of the Prince of Wales, used in WalesA banner of the Coat of Arms of Wales. In the centre on an inescutcheon the coronet of the Prince of Wales

Other members of the Royal Family

FlagDateUseDescription
1948 onStandard of The Duke of EdinburghA 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 onStandard of The Duke of CambridgeBanner 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 an Escallop in reference to the arms of Diana, Princess of Wales
2002 onStandard of The Duke of SussexBanner of the Duke'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 onStandard of The Duke of YorkBanner 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 onStandard of Princess Beatrice of YorkBanner 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 onStandard of Princess Eugenie of YorkBanner 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 The Earl of WessexBanner 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 The Princess RoyalBanner 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 onStandard of The Duke of GloucesterBanner 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 The Duke of KentBanner 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 Prince Michael of KentBanner 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 onStandard of Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady OgilvyBanner 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.

Others

FlagDateUseDescription
1323 onThe Royal Banner of ScotlandA banner of the ancient Royal 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.[22] 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 Jack, defaced with a sword, crowned.
Standard of the Duchy of LancasterThe Royal Banner of England, with a three-point label, each containing three fleurs-de-lis
Standard of the Lord Warden of the Cinque PortsA banner of the Lord's coat of arms featuring three Lions passant guardant con-joined to these hulls, all in gold

Government

FlagDateUseDescription
Ensign of Her Majesty's Revenue and CustomsA Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of HM Customs and Excise
1998The flag of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
2008 onEnsign of the UK Border Agency
(predecessor of UK Visas and Immigration)
A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the UK Border Agency
Ensign of Her Majesty's CoastguardA blue ensign defaced with the badge of HM Coastguard
Ensign of the Scottish Fisheries Protection AgencyA blue ensign defaced with the badge of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency
Ensign of the Commissioners of the Northern LightsA blue ensign defaced with a lighthouse
Northern Lighthouse Board Commissioners FlagA 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.[23] This flag is only flown from vessels with the Commissioners aboard and from the Headquarters of the NLB, in Edinburgh.
Ensign of Trinity HouseA red ensign defaced with a Trinity House Jack
Flag of the Metropolitan PoliceThe Badge of the Metropolitan Police on a blue background, with white squares at the edge
Ensign of the Metropolitan PoliceThe Blue Ensign, defaced with the Badge of the Metropolitan Police.
1943–1945,
1949–1968
Flag of the Civil Defence Service/Civil Defence CorpsA blue and yellow flag defaced with a Tudor Crown and the letters C.D.
2017Ensign used aboard ships of the Welsh Government, such as the patrol boats of the Marine and Fisheries Division.A blue ensign defaced with a yellow dragon

Church

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Anglican CommunionA 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 onFlag used by the Church of IrelandThe 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.[24]
Flag of the Church of ScotlandThe flag of Scotland with the burning bush in the centre.
Flag of Westminster AbbeyTudor arms between Tudor roses, above Edward the Confessor's arms.
Flag of the Church in WalesA navy blue cross with a celtic cross in the centre.

Diplomatic flags

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag used by British EmbassiesA Union Jack defaced with the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom
Flag used by British High CommissionsHigh commissions fly the Union Jack
Flag used by British Consulates and Consulates-generalA Union Jack defaced with the Royal Crown
Flag used by British consular officials when embarked in small boats; flag displayed at bowA blue ensign with the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom

Islands

FlagDateUseDescription
2017 onFlag of the Isle of BarraGreen, with a white Scandinavian Cross showing the ancestry of the people and places names of Barra. The green represents the green of the Barra Isles.[25]
Flag of the Outer Hebrides
2007 onFlag of Orkney[26][27]A blue Nordic cross outlined in yellow on a red field.
14 April 2010Flag of the Isle of Portland (Registered by the Flag Institute)[28]The colours represent the landscape of the area: Portland stone, grass and the sea. The white tower represents the castles and the naval coronet shows the long connection with the Royal Navy.[29]
Flag of the Isles of Scilly[26]The Scillonian Cross
2017 onFlag of South Uist[26][27]A green flag bearing a blue Nordic cross fimbriated in white
1969 onFlag of Shetland[26][27]A white Nordic cross on a light blue field
2009 onFlag of the Isle of Wight[26]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.

Local government areas

Flags are often used to represent counties, cities and towns. Where these are based on a council's banner of arms they are technically for the use of the council, but they are often used to represent the wider area,[30] including by official bodies such as the Department for Communities and Local Government.[31] Northumberland and Hertfordshire County Councils have "released" their banners of arms for use as county flags.[32] Since 2012 it has been permitted in planning law in England to fly a flag of any British island, county, district, borough, burgh, parish, city, town or village without planning permission as an advertisement.[33]

Counties

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of AngusA heraldic flag derived from the arms of Angus Council, consisting of four-quarters containing a red crowned lion passant, a gold cinquefoil, a blue-white checked strip crossed with buckled red belt, and a depiction of the heart of Robert the Bruce to represent the four ancient earldoms of Angus.[34]
1974 onFlag of Cambridgeshire[35]Banner of the arms adopted after 1974 with elements from the old Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely CC and Huntingdon and Peterborough CC.
12th centurySt Piran's Flag – the Flag of Cornwall[26]A white cross on a black field, formally adopted in 1890
Flag of Cumbria[31]On the green border are Parnassus flowers (representing Cumberland) interspersed with white roses (Yorkshire) superimposed with red roses (Lancashire). The centre of the shield is made up of segments of blue, white, yellow and green divided by wavy vertical lines and zig-zag horizontal lines. This depicts the new County and from left to right the vertical lines of segments show: blue and white for the sea, blue and yellow (gold) for the lakes and agriculture, green and white for mountains and lakes and green and yellow (gold) for mountains and agriculture.
1961 onFlag of Durham County CouncilLocal authority flag. A yellow cross on a blue field with lions rampant in each quarter, the centre of the cross is broken with a white rose of York (added in 1974 to represent the area of Yorkshire in Teesdale administered by the council) and black diamonds on each arm (representing coal and industry). Flag modified from the arms of the Bishopric of Durham[36]
Flag of East Sussex[37]A variation on the arms attributed to the Kingdom of Sussex.
UnofficialFlag of Greater Manchester[38]Ten golden castles (arranged in rows of 3-2-3-2) on a red background, fringed by a golden border in the style of a castle battlement.
Flag of Herefordshire[39]Banner of council arms
2008 onFlag of Hertfordshire[26]On a waved background, a Hart reclining on a yellow shield – a flag displayed on the crest of the county arms
2009 onFlag of the Isle of Wight[26]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 Leicestershire[40]The flag of Leicestershire County Council, adopted in 1930.[41] (There is as yet no flag for whole historic county of Leicestershire, including both the administrative county and the unitary authority of the city of Leicester created in 1997.)
Flag of Merseyside[42]Banner of arms of the former county council.
Flag of Norfolk[43]Banner of council arms
1951Flag of Northumberland[26]
Local authority flag with use permitted to local people. Based on the St Oswald banner (below).[44]
2007 onFlag of Orkney[26][27]A blue Nordic cross outlined in yellow on a red field.
Flag of Rutland
1969 onFlag of Shetland[26][27]A white Nordic cross on a light blue field
UnofficialFlag of South Yorkshire[45]The Flag of South Yorkshire has an upper green section and a lower blue section separated by a white wavy line. To the fly there is a Yorkshire rose with the letters S&Y underneath.[46]
Flag of Staffordshire[47]Banner of arms of the local authority. All the devices on the flag come from arms of various Earls of Stafford. The red chevron on gold was the arms of the de Staffords. It is charged with the family's famous Stafford knot badge.
Flag of Tyne and Wear[45]The flag of Tyne and Wear has a blue field with a white turret in the centre. Towards the top of the flag there is a white wavy line.[48]
1931 onFlag of Warwickshire[49] – the Bear and Ragged Staff[50] A banner based on the County Coat of Arms. A silver bear with red muzzle and gold collar and chain supporting a silver ragged staff on a red shield, with three red crosses (each of which has its arms crossed) on a gold band at the top.[51]
Flag of the West Midlands[45]Banner of arms of the former county council. The flag has two dancetty barrulets interlaced to form a W and M representing the initials of "West Midlands".
Flag of West Sussex[52]Banner of arms of the local authority. Blue and gold flag with six golden martlets.
Flag of Worcestershire CC[53]Banner of arms of the local authority.

Cities, towns and villages

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of Aberdeen[30]Three White/Grey Castles on a Red Field, taken from the city's coat of arms.
Flag of Appleby-in-WestmorlandA golden heraldic apple tree on blue (Registered by the Flag Institute)[54].
Flag of Belfast[30]A banner of the City's coat of arms (Registered by the Flag Institute)[55].
1893Flag of Bexhill-on-SeaA red saltire, which divides the flag into four sections: two of them white (top and bottom) and two green (hoist and fly) (Registered by the Flag Institute)[56].
Flag of Birmingham[30]Golden vertical zig-zag offset to hoist dividing blue and red, with a bulls head in the centre. The flag of city as opposed to the banner of the council. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[57].
Flag of CardiffA banner of the City's coat of arms (Registered by the Flag Institute)[58].
Flag of CalneGolden circle over green, blue and white stripes (Registered by the Flag Institute)[59].
Flag of Craig-y-Dorth (Cwmcarvan)Two golden wyverns combatant on blue and red, over a golden triangle with a red loaf (Registered by the Flag Institute)[60].
Flag of DigbethTriband of blue, thinner black and white with counterchanged rings over the black-white division and ripples beneath (Registered by the Flag Institute)[61].
Flag of Durham[30]A red cross outlined in white on a black field.
Flag of Edinburgh[30]A heraldic flag derived from the arms of Edinburgh Council.[62] (Registered by the Flag Institute)[63]
Flag of EvenleyThree golden cowslips on a green hoist, with a dragon slain by Saint George on the yellow field (Registered by the Flag Institute)[64].
Flag of FinchfieldThree golden finches with an interlocking pattern of stylised wheat (Registered by the Flag Institute)[65].
Flag of FloreA white blossom flower on purple and a purple plum on gold divided by a diagonal wavy line (Registered by the Flag Institute)[66].
Flag of Hampton PoyleA white saltire on red with a black border with golden bezants (Registered by the Flag Institute)[67].
Flag of HorningseaA potter at his wheel counterchanged across a vertical bisection red and white (Registered by the Flag Institute)[68].
Flag of KingswinfordA white boar with a gold crown on blue (Registered by the Flag Institute)[69].
Flag of Lincoln[30]A banner of the City's coat of arms
Flag of the City of London[30]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 (Registered by the Flag Institute)[70]
Flag of the City of London (vertical banner)Vertical banner of the arms of the City of London Corporation
Flag of NentheadA green triangle with white eight pointed star over black and white hoops (Registered by the Flag Institute)[71].
Flag of NewburyRed and blue quarters with castle, wheatsheaf, swords and teasel with a wavy hoop across the centre (Registered by the Flag Institute)[72].
Flag of PenrithA red saltire on white with blue knot/flowers in each quarter (Registered by the Flag Institute)[73].
Flag of PetersfieldCrossed keys on a green field with a plain white and wavy blue hoop (Registered by the Flag Institute)[74].
Flag of PewseyA white horse (Pewsey White Horse) on green hills below an oaken crown (Registered by the Flag Institute)[75].
Flag of Plymouth
(City and Unitary Authority)
Banner of the arms of Plymouth City Council
Flag of Portsmouth[30]A banner of the City's coat of arms
Flag of PrestonA blue cross with white arm centres on white with a paschal lamb in the centre (Registered by the Flag Institute)[76].
Flag of St Albans[30] – the Cross of St AlbanA golden saltire on sky blue
Flag of St Anne's on Sea (Lytham St Annes)A white Victorian lifeboat in upper hoist above two golden wavy hoops all over blue (Registered by the Flag Institute)[77].
Flag of ShrewsburyA banner of the town's coat of arms, featuring three leopard faces known locally as loggerheads.
Flag of Staining, LancashireA white windmill and plough on blue divided by a white diagonal series of rectangles with a blue Celtic cross in the centre (Registered by the Flag Institute)[78].
Flag of the stannary town of TavistockA white field with a blue bend, defaced with the coat of arms.
Flag of TywynA black raven on gold and a white dolphin on blue divided by a diagonal wavy line (Registered by the Flag Institute)[79].
Flag of WillenhallThree golden locks on red and a crowned set of golden crossed keys on blue divided by a crenellated vertical line (Registered by the Flag Institute)[80].
Flag of Wing, BuckinghamshireA golden bird in a golden arch all on blue (Registered by the Flag Institute)[81].
Flag of WreayA golden cross on green with a two crossed white pipes and a bell in the first quarter (Registered by the Flag Institute)[82].
Flag of WroxtonA red cross on blue and fimbriated white with white birds, pick axe, and leaf in the quarters (Registered by the Flag Institute)[83].
Flag of York[30]A banner of the City's coat of arms.

Miscellaneous

FlagDateUseDescription
Unofficial Cornish ensignThe flag of Cornwall (a white cross on a black field), with the Union Jack in the canton.
Flag of the Royal National Lifeboat InstitutionA red cross with a blue border on a white field, with the letters RNLI in red in each quarter, defaced with a crowned anchor
Flag of the St John Ambulance Brigade
A Branch Standard of the Royal British LegionA blue ensign with a yellow band across the middle with the words Royal British Legion and the name of the branch
Flag of Saint DavidA gold cross on a black field. This is flown in Wales especially on St David's Day. This flag and the St Patrick's flag are not considered national flags but may be flown without special consent.[84]
1878 onFlag of the Salvation ArmyA maroon flag with a blue border defaced by a yellow star with the Salvation Army's motto "Blood & Fire" written on it
The Ensign of Trinity HouseRed Ensign defaced with the shield of the coat of arms (a St George's Cross with a sailing ship in each quarter). The Master and Deputy Master each have their own flags.

Historical and informal areas

It is explicitly permitted to fly the flag of the Black Country, East Anglia, Wessex, any Part of Lincolnshire, any Riding of Yorkshire or any historic county within the United Kingdom without needing any permission or consent.[33]

Historic kingdoms and regions

FlagDateUseDescription
2012 onFlag of the Black Country[26][85]Per pall reversed Sable, Gules and Argent a pall reversed Argent over all an inverted chevron of chain counterchanged Argent, Sable, Argent. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[86]
1900 onFlag of East Anglia.[26]The arms ascribed to the Wuffingas dynasty of East Anglia, three crowns on a blue shield, superimposed on a St George's cross (Registered by the Flag Institute)[87].
Flag of Mercia[88] – the Cross of St AlbanA gold saltire on a blue field; the traditional flag of the Kingdom of Mercia, still flown on Tamworth Castle.
1970sFlag of Wessex[26]A gold wyvern on a red field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[89]

Historic counties

FlagDateUseDescription
2014 onFlag of AngleseyGules between three lions rampant or a chevron of the second: the attributed arms of Hwfa ap Cynddelw, the traditional badge of the county. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[90]
2014 onFlag of BedfordshireBased on the arms of Beauchamp, Barons of Bedford (red and gold) and Russell, Dukes of Bedford (black with 3 scallops). Unlike the old county council banner, the bars wavy are counterchanged per pale. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[91]
2017 onFlag of BerkshireBased on the traditional badge of the county: a stag beneath Hearne's Oak. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[92]
2011 onFlag of BuckinghamshireA red and black field bearing a chained swan: a traditional badge of the county. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[93](Chosen in a BBC competition)[94]
2012 onFlag of CaernarfonshireVert, three eagles displayed in fess Or. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[95]
2016 onFlag of CaithnessA Scandinavian cross flag for the county's Norse heritage, with the civic badge of Caithness, a ship with a raven on its sail, in the upper hoist. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[96](Enrolled by the Lord Lyon)[97]
2015 onFlag of CambridgeshireBlue with wavy lines in Cambridge blue, and the three crowns of East Anglia. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[98](Chosen by competition)[99]
2013 onFlag of CheshireAzure a Sword erect between three Garbs Or (Registered by the Flag Institute)[100]
12th centurySt Piran's Flag – the Flag of CornwallA white cross on a black field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[101]
2012 onThe Flag of CumberlandBased on a banner of the arms of the former Cumberland County Council.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[102]
2006 onFlag of DerbyshireA green cross with a white border on a sky blue field, with a gold Tudor rose in the centre. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[103](Chosen in a BBC competition)[104]
2003 onFlag of Devon – St Petroc's flagA white cross with a black border on a green field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[105](Chosen by competition)[106]
2008 onFlag of Dorset[107] – the Dorset Cross alias St Wite's CrossA white cross with a red border on a gold field.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[108](Chosen by competition)[109]
2013 onFlag of County Durham[110]A gold and blue horizontal bicolour with St. Cuthbert's Cross countercharged upon it. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[111](Chosen by competition)[112]
2018 onFlag of East Lothian (Haddingtonshire)A blue field with a gold saltire voided blue; over all a lozenge with a lion rampant. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[113](Chosen by competition)[114]
Possibly 6th centuryFlag of EssexA red field with three white, gold hilted Saxon swords (Seaxes). (Registered by the Flag Institute)[115]
2015 onFlag of FlintshireArgent, between four Cornish choughs sable a cross engrailed flory of the second. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[116]; the arms attributed to Edwin Tegeingl (Edwin ap Gronwy)
12th centuryFlag of GlamorganGules, three Chevronels Argent. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[117]
2008 onFlag of Gloucestershire – the Severn CrossThe winning entry in a competition to commemorate the county's millennium. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[118](Chosen by competition)[119]
2019 onFlag of HampshireA gold Saxon crown on a red field above a Tudor rose on a gold field.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[120]
2019 onFlag of HerefordshireOn a dark red background, a white bull's head above three wavy lines, ordered white-blue-white.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[121]
2008 onFlag of HertfordshireOn a waved background, a Hart reclining on a yellow shield – a flag displayed on the crest of the county arms(Registered by the Flag Institute)[122]A banner of the council's arms[123]
2009 onFlag of HuntingdonshireOn a green background, a gold, ribboned hunting horn – a flag displayed on the crest of the county arms (Registered by the Flag Institute)[124]
1605 onFlag of Kent[125]A red field with the white horse of Kent. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[126]
2016 onFlag of KirkcudbrightshireA green and white quartered field bearing the Cross of St Cuthbert (from whom the county is named). (Registered by the Flag Institute)[127](Enrolled by the Lord Lyon)[128]
2008 onFlag of LancashireThe red rose of Lancashire on a yellow field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[129]
2005 onFlag of LincolnshireQuarterly Vert and Azure, on a Cross Gules fimbriated Or a Fleur-de-Lis of the last. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[130](Chosen in a BBC competition)[131]
2015 onFlag of MerionethshireAzure, three goats rampant Argent, armed and unguled Or; from the dexter base the sun in his splendour issuant Or. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[132]
1910Flag of MiddlesexA red field with three white, gold hilted Saxon swords or Seaxes under a gold Saxon crown. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[133]
2011 onFlag of MonmouthshirePer pale Azure and Sable three Fleurs-de-lis Or. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[134]
2014 onFlag of NorfolkParty per pale or and sable, a bend ermine; the attributed arms of Ralph de Gael or Guader, 1st Earl of Norfolk (Registered by the Flag Institute)[135]
2014 onFlag of NorthamptonshireMaroon with a gold cross fimbriated black, and in the centre the county's traditional rose.[136] (Registered by the Flag Institute)[137](Chosen by competition)[138]
1951Flag of NorthumberlandLocal authority flag with use permitted to local people. Based on the St Oswald banner (below). (Registered by the Flag Institute)[139]
2011 onFlag of NottinghamshireA red cross fimbriated white on a green field, with an inescutcheon in the centre showing Robin Hood. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[140](Chosen in a BBC competition)[141]
2007 onFlag of Orkney[26][27]A blue Nordic cross outlined in yellow on a red field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[142](Enrolled by the Lord Lyon)[143]
2017 onFlag of OxfordshireThe arms of the pre-1974 County Council: blue with a red ox head on a double bend wavy, between a wheatsheaf and an oak. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[144]
1988 onFlag of PembrokeshireA yellow cross on a blue field with a variation of the red and white Tudor rose in the centre. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[145]
2015 onFlag of RutlandA green field strewn with acorns and a golden horseshoe in the centre. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[146]
1969 onFlag of ShetlandA white Nordic cross on a light blue field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[147](Enrolled by the Lord Lyon)[148]
2012 onFlag of ShropshireThree leopards' faces, referred to as loggerheads locally, are a traditional emblem for Shropshire and its county town, Shrewsbury. The erminois aspect differentiates the county flag with that of Shrewsbury. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[149]A banner of the council's arms[150]
2013 onFlag of SomersetOr, a Dragon Rampant Gules. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[151](Chosen by competition)[152]
2016 onFlag of StaffordshireA red chevron on gold, with the Stafford knot.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[153](Chosen by competition)[154]
2017 onFlag of SuffolkA Saxon crown pierced with two arrows: the traditional emblem of St Edmund, and of Suffolk.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[155]
2014 onCounty Flag of SurreyChequy or and azure (De Warrenne, the first Earls of Surrey) – the traditional emblem of the county.(Registered by the Flag Institute)[156]
2010 onFlag of Sussex – Saint Richard's Flag[26]Based on the traditional emblem of Sussex; Six gold martlets on a Blue field, first recorded in 1611 and used by many Sussex organisations. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[157]
December 2018 onFlag of SutherlandWhite with a black saltire intersecting a black Scandinavian cross, a sun figure in the centre. This design won a local competition, replacing a previous winner (a swooping eagle counterchanged against a vertical bicoloured red and yellow background, with three mullets at the hoist).[158] (Registered by the Flag Institute)[159]
August 2016 onFlag of WarwickshireA bear and ragged staff, the badge of the Earls of Warwick which has become a symbol the county, white on red. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[160]
2011 onFlag of WestmorlandA golden heraldic apple tree on white and red bars. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[161]
2009 onFlag of WiltshireAlternating 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. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[162][163] Accepted by Wiltshire Council in December 2009[164]
2013 onFlag of WorcestershireThree black pears on a shield charged against a wavy green and blue background. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[165](Chosen in a BBC competition)[166]
1960s onFlag of YorkshireA White Rose on a blue field. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[167]

Yorkshire ridings

FlagDateUseDescription
2013 onFlag of the East Riding of Yorkshire[168]Per pale Azure and Vert, an inverted rose Argent. (Registered by the Flag Institute)[169](Chosen by competition)[170]
2013 onFlag of the North Riding of Yorkshire[171]Vert a cross azure fimbriated or, a rose argent (Registered by the Flag Institute)[172](Chosen by competition)[173]
2013 onFlag of the West Riding of Yorkshire[174](Registered by the Flag Institute)[175](Chosen by competition)[176]

Historical flags

National flags and ensigns

FlagDateUseDescription
1929–1973Ensign of the former Northern Ireland government.The blue ensign defaced with the letters GNI. Used on vessels of the Northern Ireland government.
1953–1972The Ulster Banner – Flag of the former Government of Northern Ireland between 1953 and 1972 and still used to represent Northern Ireland in some sporting events in which Northern Ireland competes. The flag is particularly associated with the loyalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland.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.
1606–1801Flag of the Kingdom of Great Britain (From 1707)First version of the Union Jack used in England from 1606 and Scotland from 1707 – the Flags of England and Scotland superimposed.
17th centuryScottish Union FlagScottish Union Flag variant[177][178][179][180]
1783–1922Saint Patrick's Saltire, also known as St Patrick's Cross, 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 Jack and unofficially to represent Ireland from the Act of Union to the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
1620–1707English Red EnsignThe Red Ensign of the English Royal Navy
1620–1707English White EnsignThe White Ensign of the English Royal Navy
1620–1707English Blue EnsignThe Blue Ensign of the English Royal Navy
Until 1707Scottish Red Ensign, used by the Royal Scottish NavyA red ensign with the Flag of Scotland in the canton
1707–1801Red Ensign of Great BritainThe Red Ensign with the first version of the Union Jack. (This was the flag flown over the Thirteen Colonies before the American Revolution)
1707–1801White Ensign of Great BritainThe White Ensign with the first version of the Union Jack.
1707–1801Blue Ensign of Great BritainThe Blue Ensign with the first version of the Union Jack.
1649–1651Flag of the Commonwealth of EnglandSt George's Cross and an Irish Harp juxtaposed.
1651–1658Flag of the Commonwealth of EnglandSt George's Cross and St Andrew's cross quartered.
1658–1660Flag of The ProtectorateThe 1606 Union Jack defaced with an Irish Harp.

Lord Protector's standard

FlagDateUseDescription
1653–1658Standard of the Lord Protector, used by Oliver CromwellThe cross of St. George quartered with the cross of St. Andrew and the Irish Harp, and surmounted by an escutcheon with Cromwell's personal coat of arms.

Royal standards

FlagDateUseDescription
1198–1340Royal Banner of King Richard IGules, three lions passant regardant in pale or.
1340–1395,
1399–1406
Royal Banner of King Edward IIIThe Coat of Arms of England quartered with the Royal Standard of France, the Fleur-de-lis representing the English claim to the French throne.
1395–1399Royal Banner of King Richard IIThe Coat of Arms of England impaled with attributed arms of King Edward The Confessor (symbolising mystical union).
1406–1554,
1558–1603
Royal Banner of King Henry IVThe French quartering has been altered to three fleurs-de-lys.
1554–1558Royal Banner of Queen Mary IThe Coat of arms of Habsburg Spain impaled with Coat of arms of England.
1603–1649,
1660–1689,
1702–1707
Royal Standard of the House of Stuart, used first by James VI and IA 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).
1689–1702Royal Standard of King William III and IIA banner of the Royal Coat of Arms of William III, first and fourth quarters representing England and the English claim to the French throne, second quarter representing Scotland, third quarter representing Ireland, with an inescutcheon for the House of Nassau.
1707–1714Royal Standard of the House of Stuart, under Queen Anne after the Acts of UnionA 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.
1714–1800Royal Standard of Great Britain under the House of Hanover from 1714 to 1800.
1801–1816Royal Standard of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1814.A banner of the Royal Arms from the creation of the United Kingdom on 1 January 1801; first and fourth quarters for England and Wales, second Scotland, third Ireland, with an inescutcheon for the Electorate of Hanover.
1816–1837Royal Standard of the House of Hanover from 1814 to 1837The Royal Arms after Hanover had become a kingdom.

Members of the Royal Family

FlagDateUseDescription
1936–2002Standard of Queen Elizabeth, consort of George VIThe Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom impaled with the Arms of the Earl of Strathmore: ("bows" and "lions")
1910–1953Standard of Queen Mary, consort of George VThe 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)
1901–1928Standard of Queen Alexandra, consort of Edward VIIThe Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom impaled with the Arms of the King of Denmark.
1944–2002Standard of Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonThe 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.
1917–1981Standard of Princess Alice, Countess of AthloneThe 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.

Welsh Royal Standards

FlagDateUseDescription
1401–1416Banner adopted by Owain Glyndŵr and thought to be derived from the counter-charged arms of the princely Houses of Mathrafal and Dinefwr. It is in use by the National Eisteddfod for Wales, Cymdeithas yr iaith and widely amongst independentist groupsQuarterly Or and Gules, four Lions rampant counter-charged
c. 1195 – 1378Banner of the princely House of Aberffraw and the Kingdom of Gwynedd famously used by Llywelyn the Great, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Owain Lawgoch. The Prince of Wales uses a version of this flag today emblazoned with a Crown on a green shieldQuarterly Or and Gules, four Lions passant guardant counter-charged langued and armed Azur
c. 1100 – c. 1400Banner 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 rareOr a Lion rampant Gules langued and armed Azure
c. 1100 – c. 1300Banner 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 rareGules a Lion rampant Or, a border engrailed of the last
c. 1240 – 1282Banner of the personal arms of Llywelyn ap GruffuddArgent three Lions passant Gules
c. 1160 – c. 1350Banner of Madog ap Gruffudd Maelor, and later the Banner of Powys FadogArgent a Lion rampant Sable langued and armed Gules

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 Caernarfon during the Battle of Tuthill in 1401 by Owain Glyndŵr Argent a dragon rampant Or
c.1854 Eureka Jack, reportedly flown by the besieged rebels at the Eureka Stockade as a second battle flag on 3 December 1854, in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. Undefaced Union Jack.
13th centuryBanner known as Y Groes Nawdd or "The Cross of Neith" said to have been the battle flag of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (d. 1282)Purpure a celtic cross Or

See also

References

  1. "About Us". College of Arms. Retrieved 22 December 2012. The College is also the authority for matters relating to the flying of flags, and holds the only official registers of flags for the UK and much of the Commonwealth.
  2. "Scottish Heraldic Flags". The Court of the Lord Lyon. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
  3. "UK Flag Registry". Flag Institute. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
  4. "Plain English guide to flying flags" (PDF). Department for Communities and Local Government. November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 October 2013.
  5. "The Union Flags and flags of the United Kingdom" (PDF). Parliament.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  6. "Union Jack". Oxford English Dictionary (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. September 2005. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  7. Flag Institute – England
  8. Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords, Westminster. "Lords Hansard text for 18 Jan 200718 Jan 2007 (pt 0002)". Publications.parliament.uk. Retrieved 14 November 2012.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. Flag Institute – Scotland
  10. BBC Wales History: 'The dragon and war'
  11. Dempsey, James (31 March 2017). "Why is there no Northern Irish flag in the new Emoji update?". News Talk. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  12. "Northern Ireland on". FIFA.com. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
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  15. Hansard, House of Commons, Westminster. "HC Deb 22 July 1986 vol 102 c111W: Northern Ireland Flag".CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. Hansard, House of Commons, Westminster. "HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 c571W: Flag of St. Patrick".CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. Red Ensign Group
  18. Red Ensign Group
  19. Red Ensign Group – Gibraltar
  20. Flags of the World Archived 17 January 2007 at the Wayback Machine
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  25. "Barra flag wins official recognition after long campaign". 23 November 2017.
  26. Registered in the UK Flags Registry
  27. Granted by the Lord Lyon
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  29. of Isle of Portland
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  53. "Worcestershire flag flying outside Eland House". Department for Communities and Local Government. 2010. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
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  55. "Belfast". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  56. "Bexhill (Sussex)". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  57. "Birmingham". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  58. "Cardiff". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  59. "Calne". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  60. "Craig-y-Dorth". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
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  62. "UK Flag Registry". Flaginstitute.org. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  63. "Edinburgh". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  64. "Evenley". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  65. "Finchfield". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  66. "Flore". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  67. "Hampton Poyle". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  68. "Horningsea". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  69. "Kingswinford". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  70. "London". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  71. "Nenthead". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  72. "Newbury". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  73. "Penrith". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  74. "Petersfield". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  75. "Pewsey". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  76. "Preston". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  77. "St Anne's". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  78. "Staining". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  79. "Tywyn". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  80. "Willenhall". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  81. "Wing". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  82. "Wreay". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  83. "Wroxton". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  84. "Plain English guide to flying flags" (PDF). Department for Communities and Local Government. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016.
  85. Chosen in a local competition
  86. "Black Country". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  87. "East Anglia". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  88. Welcome to Tamworth
  89. "Wessex". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  90. "Anglesey". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  91. "Bedfordshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  92. "Berkshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  93. "Buckinghamshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  94. Flag was chosen in a BBC competition
  95. "Caernarfonshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  96. "Caithness". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  97. Enrolled by the Lord Lyon on the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland
  98. "Cambridgeshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  99. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  100. "Cheshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  101. "Cornwall". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  102. "Cumberland". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  103. "Derbyshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  104. Flag was chosen in a BBC competition
  105. "Devon". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  106. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  107. Dorset flag flying outside Eland House
  108. "Dorset". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  109. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  110. "County Durham flag with St Cuthbert's cross wins vote". BBC News. 21 November 2013.
  111. "County Durham". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  112. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  113. "East Lothian". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  114. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  115. "Essex". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  116. "Flintshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  117. "Glamorgan". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  118. "Gloucestershire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  119. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  120. "Hampshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  121. "Herefordshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  122. "Derbyshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  123. A banner of the Council's arms
  124. "Huntingdonshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  125. "Kent Invicta Flag". The Flag Institute. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  126. "Kent". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  127. "Kirkcudbrightshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  128. Enrolled by the Lord Lyon on the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland
  129. "Lancashire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  130. "Lincolnshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  131. Flag was chosen in a BBC competition
  132. "Merioneth". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  133. "Middlesex". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  134. "Monmouthshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  135. "Norfolk". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  136. Northamptonshire – designed by Brady Ells.
  137. "Northamptonshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  138. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  139. "Northumberland". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  140. "Nottinghamshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  141. Flag was chosen in a BBC competition
  142. "Orkney". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  143. Enrolled by the Lord Lyon on the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland
  144. "Oxfordshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  145. "Pembrokeshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  146. "Rutland". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  147. "Shetland". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  148. Enrolled by the Lord Lyon on the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland
  149. "Shropshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  150. A banner of the Council's arms
  151. "Somerset". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  152. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  153. "Staffordshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  154. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  155. "Suffolk". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  156. "Surrey". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  157. "Sussex". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  158. 'Controversay over initial choice for the Sutherland flag': Michelle Henderson in The Press and Journal, Saturday, 15 December 2018
  159. "Sutherland". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  160. "Warwickshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  161. "Westmorland". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  162. "Wiltshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  163. "Flying the flag for Wiltshire". Wiltshire Flag. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  164. "Latest News | Wiltshire Council". Wiltshire.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  165. "Worcestershire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  166. Flag was chosen in a BBC competition
  167. "Yorkshire". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  168. New white rose East Riding flag unveiled at Beverley Minster Archived 1 December 2013 at Archive.today – Hull Daily Mail
  169. "East Riding". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  170. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  171. Flying the flag for the North Riding of Yorkshire – The Northern Echo
  172. "North Riding". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  173. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  174. West Riding Flag – Winning Design – Yorkshire Boundary Society
  175. "West Riding". UK Flag Registry. The Flag Institute.
  176. Flag was chosen in a public competition
  177. Portrayed flying over Edinburgh Castle c. 1693 in a print by John Slezer in Theatrum Scotiae
  178. Described in 1707 by Henry St George as the Scotts union flagg as said to be used by the Scotts: de Burton, Simon (9 November 1999). "How Scots lost battle of the standard". The Scotsman. Johnston Press plc. Retrieved 30 June 2009.Partial view at Encyclopedia.com
  179. William McMillan & John Alexander Stewart (1925). The story of the Scottish flag. H. Hopkins. p. 112. Google books: "This flag had official recognition"
  180. Bartram, Graham (2005). British Flags & Emblems. Flag Institute/Tuckwell. p. 122. Google books: "Unofficial 1606 Scottish Union Flag"
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