The history of 'Union Jack' flag

Today, the British flag, the popular "Union Jack", is one of the most global and most easily recognizable symbols? It is so popular that can be easily found not only all around the United Kingdom, but even abroad - on fashion clothing and accessories, gifts, mugs, posters, stationery...

Lets go back in time and see how is the 'Union Jack' is born. Until early 17th century, England and Scotland were two independent counties that shared a small territory of the island, often involved into mutual conflicts and wars. After the death of the English ruler, Queen Elizabeth I, who died unmarried and childless. The England throne was succeeded in 1603 by James VI, King of Scotland, queen's cousin. He became James I, King of England and  England and Scotland now shared the same monarch under what was known as a 'union of the crowns'.

Three years later, in 1606, James I gave the order to create a union flag, which design will incorporate the design of English (St George)  and Scottish (St Andrew) crosses. This new flag got the well known name 'Union Jack' where 'Jack' being a shortening of Jacobus, the Latin version of the name James. In 1801, King George III proclaimed the new flag of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, that incorporates also St Patrick cross of Ireland. This is the flag we know today. 

Union Jack can be found everywhere, and Brits are really proud of it

Now, probably you asked yourself: Why the Welsh dragon is not represented on the 'Union Jack'? The Welsh dragon does not appear on the flag because when the first Union Flag was created in 1606, Wales was already united with England from the 13th century. This meant that Wales a Principality instead of a Kingdom and as such could not be included. There are some suggestions that Wales should be equally represented, with the small red dragon in the middle of  British flag.

The 'Union Jack' flag can be seen on the government buildings on some Bank Holidays, as well as important days - Commonwealth Day, Accession Day, Coronation Day, the Queen's Official Birthday, Remembrance Sunday. Recently, in 2007, some more dates are added to the list, such as birthdays of the royal family members, Europe Day, St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland only), St George's Day (England only), St David's Day (Wales only)...