Flag of EnglandEngland

What the flag looks like

The flag of England, known as the St George's Cross, is a white field with a red cross extending to the edges of the flag. The cross has arms of equal width, and the flag proportion is 3:5. The design has been used as a symbol of England since at least the 13th century and is one of the oldest national flags in continuous use in the world.

Colors and meaning

White represents purity, peace and honesty, and the red cross represents Saint George — the patron saint of England — and the Christian faith of the English nation. Saint George is traditionally depicted as a Roman soldier who was martyred for his Christian faith in the 4th century, and the cross became his emblem in the Middle Ages.

White field

Represents purity, peace and honesty. White was a traditional heraldic color in medieval Europe and appeared on the banners of many Christian kingdoms and military orders.

Red cross

Represents Saint George, the patron saint of England, and the Christian faith of the English nation. According to tradition, Saint George was a Roman soldier of Greek origin who was martyred for his Christian faith around 303 CE. The cross itself is a simple heraldic cross (a cross throughout, meaning it extends to all four edges of the field).

Origin

The red cross on a white field was used by crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries, and it became associated with England during the reign of King Edward I (1272–1307). By the 14th century, it was widely recognized as the flag of England, and it was used by English soldiers during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). The flag was formally adopted as the national flag of England in the 16th century and has remained in continuous use since.

History and adoption

The St George's Cross has been used as a symbol of England since the 13th century. The cross was originally associated with the Crusades, but it became specifically linked to England during the reign of King Edward I, who adopted Saint George as the patron saint of England. By the 14th century, the red cross on a white field was widely recognized as the flag of England and was used by English soldiers during the Hundred Years' War. In 1606, after the Union of the Crowns, the St George's Cross was combined with the Scottish saltire of St Andrew to create the first Union Flag. The St George's Cross remained the flag of England and was also used as part of the Union Jack. In the modern era, the flag has continued to be the official flag of England and is widely flown in England. Since 2000, it has been flown over government buildings in England on St George's Day (23 April), and it is used by English sports teams and at national events.

Key facts

Adopted

In use since the 13th century; formally adopted as the national flag of England in the 16th century

Proportion

3:5

Designer

Traditional design attributed to Saint George

Capital

London

Country code

GB-ENG

Similar flags

Georgia (country), Milan

Historical and related flags

The St George's Cross has been used in various forms across England's history, and several related flags exist.

• First Union Flag (1606–1801): St George's Cross combined with St Andrew's Saltire.
• Union Jack (1801–present): St George's Cross combined with St Andrew's and St Patrick's crosses.
• Flag of the City of London: Uses a red cross on a white field with a red sword in the upper hoist canton.
• Flag of the Royal Navy: The White Ensign, which incorporates the St George's Cross.
• Flag of the Church of England: Uses a St George's Cross with the arms of the See of Canterbury in the canton.

Frequently asked questions

What does the flag of England look like?

The flag of England is a white field with a red cross of St George — a red cross with arms of equal width extending to the edges of the flag. The proportion is 3:5.

When was the flag of England adopted?

The current flag of England was officially adopted on In use since the 13th century; formally adopted as the national flag of England in the 16th century.

What do the colors mean?

White represents purity, peace and honesty, and the red cross represents Saint George — the patron saint of England — and the Christian faith of the English nation. Saint George is traditionally depicted as a Roman soldier who was martyred for his Christian faith in the 4th century, and the cross became his emblem in the Middle Ages.

Which flags look similar to the England flag?

The flag of Georgia (country) uses a red cross on a white field with four smaller crosses in the corners. The flag of Milan also uses a red cross on a white field. England's plain St George's Cross is unique in its simplicity.