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Local History

You are in: Guernsey > History > Local History > The Guernsey Flag

Guernsey Flag.

The Guernsey Flag

Were you around when Guernsey got its own flag? Well if you are more than 20 you were as Guernsey only got its flag in 1985!

So what is the flag?

It is simply Guernsey's flag.

To be flown on island buildings and used at events where the island will be represented (i.e. the Island Games) giving Guernsey a distinctive symbol to represent the island.

It is white with the red cross of St George and a yellow cross with pattée ends.

Guernsey also has a naval ensign flown from island shipping.

So what did we use before?

Guernsey used the simple Cross of St George - a red cross on a white background or the Union Flag, the flag of Great Britain.

How did we get a flag?

There was official study into what flags Guernsey should be using and when in 1906 and 1935.

In 1985 the States decided that it was time to sort something out.

Guernsey's growing position in the world made the need for an identifiable symbol for the island.

After long discussion and investigation they decided the flag should incorporate the Cross of St George, considering the long association with the island, and also the inclusion of an early Norman symbol.

This symbol can be seen on a banner held by William the Conqueror (he's famous for something in 1066) in the Bayeux Tapestry.

It was thought the gold cross would provide the necessary link to the time when Guernsey was part of Normandy.

It was designed by the Guernsey Flag Investigation Committee chaired by the then Deputy Bailiff Graham Dorey and first flew in the island on 15th February, 1985.

Thus the Guernsey flag was born and can now be seen all over the island.

Do you remember when the flag was first flown?

last updated: 03/04/2008 at 15:43
created: 22/07/2004

Have Your Say

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james, detroit michigan usa
i lived in guernsey for 3 yrs and my mother still does.i had some of the best times of my life in guernsey, including getting engaged to my first wife..now on number 2!oh...the flag is great.

Frank Prigent
Durring the war years We lived in Brighouse in west riding of yorkshire and where members of the channel Islands socioty there.we Felt that we needed a flag to represent Guernsey,. my mother who was very good at needle work created the flag in the then tradirtional guernsey coulers of a green cross on a white background with the original guernsey creat with three lions. the flag was on display througt the war years and even now may lay discarder in some cupboard somewhere

Ray F. Sarchet
Hurrah for Guernsey. We had their flag flying at out 200th anniv of coming to America by Sarchet's from Guernsey Isle to Guernsey County, Ohio 6/06

Jacques from Batif
What a revelation! Now next time an eager little french exchange child enquires as to the meaning of the guernsey flag, I will be able to inform them correctly and sufficiently. I feel that my day is complete now that I am aware of the history of the flag of which I am so fond.

Laura - guernsey tourist officer
some french kids came in and asked "What does the guensey flag represent?" i didnt have a clue to this answer and replied that the flag represented an island. After this i found out that the yellow part of the flag represents guernsey's history and how it was part of Normandy.WOW!!

James
Best flag in the world

Chris Moore
I like the flag. My Parents lived and worked in Guernsey from 1965 til 1968 when they returned back to Liverpool for my Mum to have me! As i was conceived in Guernsey i feel a strong link with the island.

Alan Gibbs
Although an Australian I'm very proud of the distinctive Guernsey flag and we have one in our home. My wife came from Guernsey after the war and still has many relatives there. We visited again in 2004 because I really love the island and what it stands for. Having found this site we now know the reps for the Commonwealth Games coming to Melbourne in 2006.

Chloe Langlois
This is a very interesting site and has given me alot of help!

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