Commonwealth Flag

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Flag of the Commonwealth (1649-1651).

Flag of the Commonwealth (1651-1658).

This article is about the flag used during the period of republican government in the British Isles. For the flag of the Commonwealth of Nations, see Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations.

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.

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.^[1]

This flag then was replaced by the Protectorate Jack in 1658. 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.

[edit] Notes

^ Flags of the World, Flags of the Interregnum.

[edit] References

Martucci, Dave. United Kingdom: Flags of the Interregnum, 1649-1660. Flags of the World. Retrieved 30 December 2007.

v • d • e Flags of the United Kingdom

UK	Flag of the United Kingdom (Union Flag)

Home Nations	England • Scotland • Wales

Historical	Northern Ireland (1953–1972)

Royal	Royal Standard • Royal Standard for use in Scotland • Royal Standard of Scotland

Ensigns	Blue Ensign • Red Ensign • White Ensign • Royal Air Force Ensign • Civil Air Ensign