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The Union Flag

Study note

The flag of the United Kingdom is called the Union Flag, and it is also widely known as the Union Jack. It is made by combining the crosses of three patron saints: St George for England, St Andrew for Scotland, and St Patrick for Ireland. These three crosses are layered over one another to create the familiar red, white and blue design.

A favourite test question asks why Wales does not appear on the flag. The reason is that Wales had already been joined to the Kingdom of England by the time the first Union Flag was created, so it was not represented separately. The Welsh symbol, the red dragon, is therefore not part of the Union Flag.

Watch for wrong answers that include the cross of St David or the Welsh dragon on the flag. Neither is on it. The Union Flag combines only the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick.

Memory tip: Three crosses on the flag: George + Andrew + Patrick. Wales (the dragon) was left off.

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Question 1 of 5

Why is Wales not represented on the Union Flag?

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Show all questions and answers for The Union Flag(5 questions with explanations)

The Union Flag: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Why is Wales not represented on the Union Flag?

    • Wales is a Crown dependency
    • The Welsh dragon replaced St George's cross
    • Wales chose not to join the union
    • It was already united with England when the flag was created

    Correct answer: It was already united with England when the flag was created

    Wales had already been joined to the Kingdom of England before the Union Flag was designed.

  2. 2. The Union Flag includes the cross of St David of Wales.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: False

    False. The flag combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick only.

  3. 3. By what popular name is the Union Flag also known?

    • The St George Cross
    • The Red Ensign
    • The Union Jack
    • The Royal Standard

    Correct answer: The Union Jack

    The Union Flag is often called the Union Jack.

  4. 4. Select TWO patron saints whose crosses appear on the Union Flag.

    • St Andrew
    • St Columba
    • St George
    • St David

    Correct answer: St Andrew and St George

    The Union Flag combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick.

  5. 5. Which statement about the Union Flag is correct?

    • The Union Flag combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick
    • The Union Flag includes the Welsh dragon

    Correct answer: The Union Flag combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick

    The flag combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick. The Welsh dragon is not on it.

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