Union Jack

Lore & Background

The origins of the flag date to the earlier flag of Great Britain, established in 1606 by a proclamation of King James VI and I of Scotland and England. The present design was established by an order in council following the Act of Union 1800, which joined the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It was unchanged following the secession of the Irish Free State in 1922.

The terms Union Jack and Union Flag are both used. Initially termed the 'British flag' or 'flag of Britain', the word 'Union' first appeared in 1625. The etymology of 'jack' in the context of flagstaffs reaches back to Middle German, with the suffix -kin used as a diminutive. The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'jack' as 'something insignificant, or smaller than the normal size.' The original maritime flag use of 'jack' was a ship's flag smaller than the ensign, flown in the bows to indicate nationality. The Union Flag when instantiated as a small jack became known as the 'Union Jack,' and this term later transferred to more general usage.

According to the Flag Institute, 'the national flag of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories is the Union Flag, which may also be called the Union Jack.' The Admiralty frequently referred to the flag as the Union Jack, and in 1902 an Admiralty circular announced that either name could be used officially. In 1908, a government minister stated that 'the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag.' However, by 1913 the Admiralty described the 'Union Flag' and added that 'A Jack is a Flag to be flown only on the "Jack" Staff.' The term 'Union Flag' was used in King Charles I's 1634 proclamation and King George III's 1801 proclamation concerning the arms and flag of the United Kingdom.

Reader's Guide

The Union Jack is significant as the national flag of the United Kingdom, representing the union of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland through its superimposed crosses. Its design has remained unchanged since 1801, despite the secession of the Irish Free State in 1922. The flag's influence extends beyond the UK: flags of British Overseas Territories, certain sovereign states, and regions that were previously British possessions incorporate the Union Jack into their own flag designs, often as blue or red ensigns with the Union Jack in the canton. The flag also continues to have official status in Canada, by parliamentary resolution, where it is known as the Royal Union Flag. The terminology debate—Union Jack versus Union Flag—reflects historical usage and official positions. While some sources assert that 'Union Jack' should only be used when flown on a warship's jackstaff, the term has been used officially and popularly for centuries, including by Winston Churchill. The Flag Institute states that either name may be used. The flag's legacy is tied to British maritime power and colonial history, as its widespread adoption in former colonies and territories attests.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Union Jack' derives from the maritime use of a small flag called a 'jack' flown in the bows of a ship to indicate nationality.
• In 1902, an Admiralty circular announced that either 'Union Flag' or 'Union Jack' could be used officially.