Commonwealth Flag

The Commonwealth Flag (also known as the Commonwealth Jack) was the flag of the Commonwealth of England which replaced the Kingdom of England in 1649. Like the Union Flag it replaced, it consisted of just two symbols: the left two quadrants contained an elongated version of St George's Cross, representing England, while the right two quadrants contained an "Irish harp" symbolising Ireland. The Commonwealth Jack contained no representation for Scotland, because it was substantially an extension of Parliament and the Scots Parliament had remained independent of that of England (and its dominion, Ireland) following the union of the crowns in 1603.

The flag was replaced in 1651 with a new quarterly design featuring the flag of England first and fourth, and the flag of Scotland second and third. This flag was also used as the ensign of the Commonwealth Navy after 1651.Flags of the World, Flags of the Interregnum.]

This flag then was replaced by the Protectorate Jack in 1658, the Union Flag with an Irish harp in the centre. It in turn was replaced by the returned "Union Flag" in 1660, following the restoration of the monarchy and of the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland.

ee also

* Commonwealth coat of arms

Notes

References

*Martucci, Dave. [http://www.fotw.net/flags/gb-inter.html United Kingdom: Flags of the Interregnum, 1649-1660] . Flags of the World. Retrieved 30 December 2007.