Flag of Guernsey facts for kids
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| Use | Civil and state flag |
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| Proportion | 2:3 |
| Adopted | 30 April 1985 |
| Design | Cross |
| Designed by | Herbert Pitt |
Variant flag of Guernsey
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| Name | Civil ensign of Guernsey |
Variant flag of Guernsey
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| Name | Government ensign of Guernsey |
Variant flag of Guernsey
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| Name | Flag of the Governor of Guernsey |
The flag of Guernsey is the official flag of Guernsey, a small island in the Channel Islands. It was chosen in 1985. The flag has a red cross, called the Saint George's Cross, with an extra gold cross inside it. This gold cross is a special symbol from Normandy.
The new flag was created because people sometimes got confused. At international sports events, athletes from Guernsey and England both used the same flag (the St. George's Cross). This made it look like England had two teams! The flag was designed by a special committee led by Graham Dorey. It was first shown on the island on February 15, 1985.
The gold cross on the flag represents William the Conqueror. He was the Duke of Normandy who later became King William I of England after the Norman conquest of England. People say that Pope Alexander II gave William this gold cross. William supposedly flew it on his flag during the famous Battle of Hastings. Since the year 2000, a red flag with the gold cross has been used for government ships.
Contents
Why Guernsey Needed a New Flag
Before 1985, Guernsey did not have its own unique flag. It used the St George's Cross, which is the flag of England. This happened because Edward VIII, who was King at the time, allowed Guernsey to use England's flag in 1936.
During World War II, when Germany occupied the Channel Islands, people were not allowed to show British symbols. However, the flag of England was permitted for everyday use.
The Government of Guernsey looked into finding a unique historical flag for the island in 1906 and 1935. In 1983, the Bailiff of Guernsey said that Guernsey needed a new flag. This was because using England's flag caused confusion, especially at the Commonwealth Games. Other countries thought England was entering two teams into the games.
Designing the New Flag
Sir Graham Dorey led a committee to research and design the new flag. The committee thought about many different designs. They first considered adding the color green, but decided against it. Green was only used as a sports color by the Guernsey national football team in Muratti matches. It had no historical meaning for the island.
They also thought about putting the coat of arms of Guernsey on the St. George's Cross. However, this idea was rejected. The coat of arms would be too hard to see from far away. Also, it would focus too much on English symbols. This would not show Guernsey's own history or its independence.
The committee finally decided to add a gold cross on top of the St. George's Cross. This gold cross was chosen because it was a symbol of King William the Conqueror. It was seen on a banner at the Battle of Hastings, as shown in the Bayeux Tapestry. People believed that Pope Alexander II gave this banner to William. It was a sign of his blessing for the Norman Conquest of England.
The new flag's design shows that the islanders have Norman roots. But it also shows their loyalty to the English, and later British, Crown. In 1985, Elizabeth II, who was the Duke of Normandy, officially approved the flag. This made it the official flag of Guernsey.
When the Flag Was First Used
The new flag was first shown on February 15, 1985. It was flown for the very first time on Liberation Day, May 9. This day marked 40 years since the Channel Islands were freed from German occupation during the Second World War.
The Guernsey flag is now flown from all States of Guernsey buildings. However, on special flag-flying days, the Union Jack (the UK flag) is used instead. These days are usually for birthdays and anniversaries of the Royal Family. They also include Commonwealth Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Guernsey Ensign
When the flag of Guernsey was adopted, a special flag for ships was also created. This flag is called the Guernsey civil ensign. It is a British red ensign with the Guernsey gold cross added to it. This flag was made for Guernsey residents and British citizens. It can be used as an alternative flag for Guernsey. It is also used as Guernsey's merchant ensign for trading ships.
In 2000, the States of Guernsey also approved a blue ensign version of the Guernsey ensign. This blue flag is used for government ships.
Gallery of historical flags
The previous flag of Guernsey was the St George's Cross. Guernsey was allowed to use this flag for its state flag in 1936. However, there is some evidence of an even older Guernsey flag from the mid-1800s. This flag had a St. George's Cross on a blue-and-white checkered background. It also had the Union Flag in the top left corner. But, we are not sure how much this flag was officially used.
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1936–85 flag -
19th Century Flag -
Civil ensign of Guernsey -
Government Ensign of Guernsey -
Standard of the Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey
.svg)
Images for kids
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The Bayeux Tapestry: William the Conqueror holding a banner with a golden cross; this was used for the design of the Guernsey flag.
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Guernsey para niños
