History of Union Jack

Why the other name of Union Flag in UK is Union Jack?

United Kingdom consists of 4 countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In the year 1194 AD, Richard I of England introduced the Cross of St. George, a red cross on a white background, as the national flag of England until James I inherited the throne in 1603. James I of England was also King James VI of Scotland and in 1606 the flag of Scotland St Andrew, a diagonal white cross on a blue background, which combined with the Cross of St. George.


In 1707 the flag was known as "The Union" and was flown from the Royal Navy mastheads.The flag was flown from jackstaff. Jackstaff is small flagpole at the bow of the ship from which probably got its name from "Union Jack". Northern Ireland in 1801 became part of the United Kingdom and St Patrick's flag, a red diagonal cross on a white background, added to the Union Jack by King George III. In 1779 there were two more years before St Patrick's flag was added.

Here are pictures of flags from every country "

Union Jack 1801

St.Patrick (Irelandia)

Union Flag 1606

St. Andrew (Scotland)

St.George (England)

But what about the other countries in the United Kingdom, Wales? Because while the first Union Flag was created in 1606, Wales was united with England. Wales can be conquered by the British in the 13th century and in the year 1536, under Henry VIII, Act officially joined the Union of England and Wales. Therefore represented by the flag of Wales is not English or Welsh dragon yellow cross on a black background of St. David.

St. David (Wales Flag)

sources :

http://www.unionjacksupplies.co.uk/unionjack_history.htm