The Flag of Saint George

St George Flag (or the Cross of Saint George) is a red cross on a white background. It was originally the ensign of the Republic of Genoa.  Through its use by crusaders and later adoption by England, the red cross became associated with Saint George, the warrior saint. 

The red cross’  introduction to England came in the late 13th century.  Originally it was not the flag, and not at the time associated with Saint George. It was worn by English soldiers as an identification from the early years of the reign of Edward I (1270s).

Saint George rose to the position of “patron saint of England” in a process beginning in 1348. From 1348 and throughout the 15th century, the St. George’s Cross was shown in the hoist of the Royal Standards of the Plantagenet kings of England.

The Flag of Saint George remained the official flag of England until the adoption of the Union Jack with the Acts of Union in 1707.   Since the late 20th century, there continues to be a resurgence in popularity of the flag of St George.  This is partly due to football-inspired nationalism, and also in response to the devolution movements in Scotland and Wales.