The Story Behind the Union Jack

1606 → 1801

The first Union Flag was created in 1606, combining the crosses of England and Scotland. The familiar modern design dates from 1801, when the cross of St Patrick was added following the union with Ireland. citeturn0search2turn0search4

The first Union Flag

In 1603, James VI of Scotland also became James I of England. England and Scotland remained separate kingdoms, but they now shared a monarch.

In 1606, a new flag was created to represent that union. It combined the red Cross of St George associated with England with the white Saltire of St Andrew associated with Scotland. GOV.UK describes this as the first Union Flag. citeturn0search2

Why did the flag change in 1801?

The political map changed again when Great Britain and Ireland were united under the Act of Union. The flag was redesigned to incorporate the Cross of St Patrick, creating the basic design we recognise today.

The College of Arms records the 1 January 1801 proclamation that defined the Union Flag's heraldic design. citeturn0search1

What do the three crosses represent?

St GeorgeEngland — a red upright cross

St AndrewScotland — a white diagonal saltire

St PatrickIreland — a red diagonal saltire

Union FlagThe combined design represents the union

What about Wales?

This is one of the most common questions. Wales is not represented by a separate cross in the Union Flag because Wales had already been legally incorporated with England when the first Union Flag was created.

That is why the Welsh dragon does not appear on the Union Flag, even though Wales is one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom.

Union Jack or Union Flag?

Both names are widely used. “Union Flag” is the formal name used by official sources, while “Union Jack” is the familiar everyday name.

The College of Arms uses “Union Flag” in its official guidance and says the design is defined by royal proclamation. citeturn0search1

Can you fly it upside down?

Yes — and it is surprisingly easy to do. The diagonal red and white elements are deliberately offset rather than symmetrical. The College of Arms explains how to tell whether the flag is upside down: in the upper corner nearest the flagpole, the wider diagonal white stripe should be above the red diagonal stripe. citeturn0search8

Quick test: look at the corner nearest the flagpole. If the broad white diagonal is above the red diagonal, you've got it the right way up.

The Union Flag today

The Union Flag is the national flag of the United Kingdom and is flown widely on government buildings and elsewhere. Current government guidance encourages UK government buildings to fly it throughout the year, subject to the rules and designated occasions for other flags. citeturn0search2

Explore the flags behind the Union

Compare the England flag, Flag Explorer and Flag History resources.

Sources: GOV.UK — Union Flag flying guidance; College of Arms — Union Flag designs; The National Archives — Act of Union 1801.