BRITISH NATIONAL SYMBOLS
January 1801.
To preserve the former cross flags and to manage the incorporation of St. Patrick's Cross (red
diagonal cross on white), the heraldic advisers to the King suggested that St Andrew's Cross
should be divided diagonally and red appear below and above the white (on the hoist half of the
fly and above on its fly half).
In accordance with heraldic law the red cross may not border the blue background, so a white
narrow border, or fimbrication, was added in between. This also held for the centre where a white
border separated the crosses of St. Patrick and St. George.
The Union Jack has remained unchanged ever since. By an Order in Council of 9 July 1864 the
present official system of flags was confirmed. The name `Union Jack' also became the official
name for the flag in the late 19th century.
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