Until the early 17th Century and since the 13th century the English flag and jack, used by both merhant and navy ships, had been white with the red cross of St George. The Scottish flag was blue with the white cross of St Andrew. Then on 12th April 1606 King James 1 of England and Scotland issed a proclamation : ......
That from henceforth all our Subjects of this Isle and Kingdome of Great Britaine and the members thereof, shall beare in their Maintoppe the Red Crosse, commonly called S. Georges Crosse, and the White Crosse, commonly called S. Andrews Crosse, joyned together , according toa forme made by our Heralds.....
This was the birth certificate of what soon became the best-known flag in the world


Guide created: 18/11/06 (updated 27/06/08)

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