Above photo - England Flag
The
Flag of England is the St George's Cross. The legend
of Saint George slaying the dragon dates from the 12th
century and Saint George became the patron saint of
England in the 13th century. The red cross appeared
in the crusades and is one of the earliest known emblems
representing England. The
flag is thought to be derived from that of the Knights
Templar.
Another
theory as to the origins of the flag is that the flag
of Genoa was adopted by England and the City of London
in 1190 for their ships entering the Mediterranean to
benefit from the protection of the powerful Geonoese
fleet. The maritime Republic of Genoa was rising and
going to become, together with its rival Venice, one
of the most important powers in the world. The English
Monarch paid an annual tribute to the Doge of Genoa
for this privilege.
|
