The Story of the Union Flag
The Union Flag, popularly known as the Union Jack, is the national flag of the United Kingdom. It is called the Union Flag because it symbolises the administrative union of the countries of the United Kingdom.
It is made up of the individual Flags of three of the Kingdom's countries all united under one Sovereign - the countries of England, of Scotland and of Northern Ireland.As Wales was not a Kingdom but a Principality it could not be included on the flag.
England is represented by the flag of St. George.
In 1194 A.D., Richard I of England introduced the Cross of St. George, a red cross on a white ground, as the National Flag of England.
Scotland is represented by the flag of St. Andrew.
After Queen Elizabeth I of England died in 1603, King James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne and became King James I of England. Early in his reign James attempted to combine England and Scotland in a united kingdom of 'Great Britain'. But a problem arose, which flag should be hoisted on the king's ships. English sailors resented the Scottish colours and the Scots scorned the cross of St. George.
In 1606 the problem was solved. On 12 April 1606, the National Flags of Scotland and England were united for use at sea, thus making the first Union 'Jack'.
Ashore however, the old flags of England and Scotland continued to be used by their respective countries .
On 28th July, 1707, during the reign of Queen Anne, this flag was by royal proclamation made the National flag of Great Britain, for use ashore and afloat.
On 1 January 1801, Ireland was united with Great Britain and it became
necessary to have a new National Flag in which Ireland was represented.
The cross of St Patrick was combined with the Union Flag of St George and St Andrew, to create the Union Flag that has been flown ever since. The St. Patrick's Cross remains in the flag even though today only Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
