Historical Context
The Act of Union 1800 joined the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Both the Irish and British parliaments passed acts in 1800 and came into effect January 1, 1801.
A new flag was designed to reflect the union and remains the United Kingdoms flag to this day, commonly called the Union Jack. It is made up of flags from three parts of the union, the red St George's Cross for the patron saint of England, the white diagonal St Andrews cross for Scotland and the red diagonal cross of St Patrick's flag for Ireland.
Wales is not included within the Union Jack because at that stage it was regarded as part of England.
Photo Info
Location taken: United Kingdom
Related Events
- 1801-01-01 The Irish Parliament votes to join the Kingdom of Great Britain, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
