United kingdom london england flag. The current design of the union jack dates from the act of union 1801 which united the kingdom of great britain and the kingdom of ireland previously in personal union to create the united kingdom of great britain and irelandthe flag consists of the red cross of saint george patron saint of england. The sword is believed to represent the sword that beheaded saint paul who is the patron saint of the city. For example it forms the canton of both the british blue ensign and the british red ensign.
The sword is believed to represent the sword that beheaded saint paul who is the patron saint of the city. The union jack is the most important of all british flags and is flown by representatives of the united kingdom all the world over. The scottish version of the first union flag saw limited use in scotland from 1606 to 1707 following the union of the crowns.
The united kingdom flag was officially adopted on january 1 1801 and its arguably the worlds best known flag. In certain authorized military naval royal and other uses the union jack may be incorporated into another flag. The english version of the first union flag 1606 used mostly in england and from 1707 the flag of the kingdom of great britain.