What the Union Flag combines

Study note

The Union Flag, often called the Union Jack, is made up of the crosses of three patron saints. It combines the cross of St George for England, the cross of St Andrew for Scotland, and the cross of St Patrick for Ireland. These three crosses are layered together to form the familiar design.

It is worth knowing which saints are included and which are not. The flag combines St George, St Andrew and St Patrick. St David, the patron saint of Wales, is not represented, and Wales itself is not shown on the flag, because it was already joined to England when the flag was first created. So when asked which crosses besides St George's make up the Union Flag, remember St Andrew of Scotland and St Patrick of Ireland.

Memory tip: Union Flag = St George (England) + St Andrew (Scotland) + St Patrick (Ireland).