Do you know Jack about the Union Flag? Our National flag explained

The Union Jack or Union Flag is the national flag of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The current design we all know and love has been about since January 1st 1801. We know it as the Union Flag as it represents King George III administrative union of the 3 kingdoms of the British Isles. England, Scotland & Ireland (Northern Ireland Only Since 1921). The flag design itself consists of the Cross of Saint Andrew overlaying with the Cross of Saint Patrick with the Cross of Saint George on top. Why wasn’t Wales included in the Union Jack? At the time Wales was a principality ruled by a prince, therefore could not be included in the union. Some residents of Wales call to change the flag and included the Welsh Dragon in the Centre of the Cross of Saint George.

The ‘Union’ part of the name simply came from union of the three countries. The ‘Jack’ part however has been used for the flag since before 1600 and its origins are unclear. The main theory is that the ‘Jack’ part may have simply come from the name of King James I or James VI of Scotland. Another idea was when used as a maritime flag at the front of the boat it was called ‘Jack’ by the sailors. Another theory comes from back in 1674 when its was referred to as either “the Jack”, or “Jack Flag” or the King’s Jack. The royalty at the time referred to it as “His Majesty’s Jack” and after that it was officially named the ‘Union Jack’. Historians are still unsure of the origins of the use of ‘Jack’ but are still researching it roots.

At Portfolio Display we offer a large range of Union Jack flags and national flags. Our range includes a variety of materials and sizes from polyester flags to quality machine stitched cloth flags for long-term use. We also offer a great range of national flag bunting, which comes in 9m (30ft) lengths with many countries available to buy securely online.