The George Cross

The flag of St George has been associated with England for more than 800 years.

The red cross on a white background first gained prominence due to its connection with St George, a Roman soldier from the 4th Century who defended the Christians against persecution. In the 12th Century the English King Richard the Lionheart brought back the red cross from the Crusades in the Middle East.

George's association with a dragon arises from the legend that he killed a fire-breathing monster which was about to eat a maiden.

At the Council of Oxford in 1222, St George's Day - April 23 was declared a holiday and King Edward III adopted the battle cry, "St George for England!"

In the 16th Centuary the St George's Cross became England's sole saintly flag and remained so even after the union with Scotland.

The flag is also the rank of an Admiral in the Royal Navy, so merchant ships cannot fly it.

It is considered the proper flag for churches but Government buildings are only supposed to fly it if they have two poles - the first being reserved for the Union Jack.

The flag should not be confused with the George Cross, which is a medal.