Flying the flag

Depending on what day you choose to visit La Selve, in Lauragais, you may arrive to find a flag flying in the garden. Not every day, it’s more of a hobby. We fly a flag to celebrate special occasions; birthdays, our wedding anniversary and to commemorate battles, particularly those in which Ted’s regiment fought.

The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is probably the flag that we fly most.  It was created when King James the sixth of Scotland became King James the first of England in 1601. He wanted a flag to represent both of his kingdoms, and the two flags were blended to produce the first Union Flag. In 1801 a third flag was added to represent Ireland, producing the Union Flag as we know it today. People sometimes ask why Wales is not represented on the Union Flag. Wales was annexed by England in the 13^th century by Edward I, and it then became part of England in 1542 when Henry VIII was king, so, in theory it was represented when the Union Flag was created.

St. George is the patron saint of England, so we fly the English flag on St. George’s Day, 23^rd April. Ted is British, but specifically English, so we fly St. George’s flag on his birthday.

Technically, the third flag is the starboard pennant. It is used at sea to indicate that a ship is moving to starboard (to the right).   

 

However, it is also used, particularly when the pennant has a martini glass on it, as an invitation to the officers of other ships to visit for a drink.   We fly it when friends are coming to stay or for an aperitif.