The Union Flag By: Diego Alemañy

The Story of the Union Flag and the United Kingdom 1

The Union Flag, popularly known as the Union Jack*, is the national flag of the United Kingdom. It is the British Flag

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, Scotland and Nothern Ireland. But, Wales was not a United Kingdom country principaly,so it could not be included on the flag

* “Union Jack” was officially acknowledged as an alternative name for the Union Flag by the Admiralty and Parliament in the early 20th century. The term “Jack” refers to the flag that is flown from the bowsprit of a ship, often denoting nationality

The Flag St Andrew of Scotland 2

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. It was a Union of the Crowns, but not yet of the nations. Each country still kept their own parliaments.

Early in his reign James attemped to combine England and Scotland in a united kingdom of “Great Britain”. This was the policy he presented to his first Parliament, called on 22 of March of The Union was resisted. James defied them. On 20 of October of 1604 he proclaimed a new title for himself as “King of Great Britain”.

Making the Union Flag 1 3

+ +

=

Making the Union Flag 2 4

+ +

=

5 History of Making the Union Flag

1: In 1606 the National Flags of Scotland and England were united for use at sea, thus making the first Union Flag 1606

1707 In 1707 during the reign of Queen Anne, the first Union Flag was by royal proclamation made the National Flag of Great Britain, for use ashore and afloat.

1801 In 1801 Ireland was united with Great Britain and the present Union Flag was formed

Which is the right flag? 6

That´s not correct

That´s correct

T h e E n d