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Flags of the English Interregnum facts for kids

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"Flag of the Commonwealth of England" redirects here. For flag of the British Commonwealth, see Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Commonwealth Standard RMG L4481f
A special flag used by navy generals between 1652 and 1654.

During a time in England when there was no king, from 1649 to 1660, many different flags were used. This period was called the Commonwealth. It was a time when England was a republic, ruled by Parliament and later by Oliver Cromwell.

At sea, ships that supported the king (called Royalists) kept flying the old Union Jack. But on February 22, 1649, the Council of State made a new rule. This council was like a government committee. They ordered that ships working for the new government should only fly the red cross on a white flag. This was the flag of England.

A few weeks later, on March 5, 1649, the Council gave another order. They said that the main admirals (top navy leaders) should fly a special red flag. This flag had the symbols of England and Ireland on it. Today, only one of these old flags still exists. It is kept in a museum. Many flags from this time were destroyed when the king, Charles II, came back to power.

In 1654, Scotland officially joined with England. However, the Scottish flag (a white X on a blue background) did not appear on navy flags until 1658.

In 1658, Oliver Cromwell became the Lord Protector. This meant he was the leader of England. His own personal flag became the main flag for the navy's general. Also, the old flag with the cross and harp was changed. It became the "Protectorate Jack." This flag was like the old Union Flag but with the Irish harp added in the middle.

Flags of the Commonwealth

During the Commonwealth period, different flags showed who was in charge. They also showed which side a ship supported.

Flags for Parliament's Ships

The navy that supported Parliament and the new government used several flags. These flags changed over time.

  • Flag of the Commonwealth (1649-1651)

    This flag was flown by the top navy leaders from 1649 to 1651.

  • Standard of Oliver Cromwell (1653–1659)

    This was the personal flag of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector, from 1655 to 1659.

  • Flag of England

    This flag was used by Parliament's navy before 1658.

  • Flag of the Commonwealth (1658-1660)

    This flag was used by Parliament's navy after 1658.

Royalist Flags

Ships that supported the king, Charles I, and later his son, Charles II, kept using older flags. These flags showed their loyalty to the monarchy.

  • Union flag 1606 (Kings Colors)

    This flag was flown by Royalist navy ships.

  • Royal Standard of Great Britain (1603-1649)

    This was the royal flag of King Charles I.

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