Jump directly to the content
Quiz
FLAG UP THE COUNTIES

How many of these historic county flags can you name correctly?

FLYING the flag doesn’t just mean proudly displaying the red, white and blue in all its glory. July 23 is Historic County Flags Day, when the symbols of 50 UK administrative authorities will flutter around Parliament Square in London.

But while the Union Jack is a familiar sight, do you know your county or local banner – and how many others can you identify? Here, GRANT ROLLINGS challenges you to fathom out the flags from their history – and two set of clues.

1. Next to black, a white cross may look a little pasty – which is an idea for lunch
8
1. Next to black, a white cross may look a little pasty – which is an idea for lunchCredit: Alamy
2. The swords are called ‘seaxes’ – which when chopped up gives you the county
8
2. The swords are called ‘seaxes’ – which when chopped up gives you the countyCredit: Alamy
3. Bird is a bustard, reintroduced to the county but liable to wilt in recent heat
8
3. Bird is a bustard, reintroduced to the county but liable to wilt in recent heatCredit: Alamy
4. Well, it’s not Notts, for a start – that might stoke up a little local rivalry
8
4. Well, it’s not Notts, for a start – that might stoke up a little local rivalryCredit: Alamy
5. A place of square-jawed locals. Given time and we’re sure you’ll get this one
8
5. A place of square-jawed locals. Given time and we’re sure you’ll get this oneCredit: Alamy
6. If the red rose looks a bit battered it’s probably because it’s been in the wars
8
6. If the red rose looks a bit battered it’s probably because it’s been in the warsCredit: Alamy
7. If you can’t suss six birds on a flag then it’s clear you’re just coasting mentally
8
7. If you can’t suss six birds on a flag then it’s clear you’re just coasting mentallyCredit: Alamy
8. We’ll stick our necks out and bet a couple of bucks you’ll get this swan
8
8. We’ll stick our necks out and bet a couple of bucks you’ll get this swanCredit: Alamy

If you're flaggging

STILL struggling to pin down our pennants? Then we’ll run some clearer clues up the flagpole.

1) The white cross on a black background is said to represent white tin flowing from the black rock.

2) The seaxes were used by Saxons who invaded this eastern county after crossing the Channel.

3) This county recently reintroduced great bustard birds to its chalk downlands – near a world-famous stone circle.

4) Known for its bull terrier, and historically for its potteries.

5) Blue castle on Tyne is this area’s biggest city.

6) The red rose emblem contrasts with neighbouring Yorkshire’s white.

7) There are two counties, East and West, under this flag’s six gold martlet birds.

8) The swan with a crown round its neck is because the county bred the birds for England’s reigning monarchs.

MOST READ IN UK NEWS

A-listers fight for rooms at £15k-a-night hotel as LA fires destroy homes
GIVE US SHELTER

A-listers fight for rooms at £15k-a-night hotel as LA fires destroy homes

Under-siege Rachel Reeves to slash billions from bloated welfare budget
REEVES' WELFARE AXE

Under-siege Rachel Reeves to slash billions from bloated welfare budget

'Helpless' Patsy Palmer gives update on LA home after jetting to UK amid fires
patsy's pain

'Helpless' Patsy Palmer gives update on LA home after jetting to UK amid fires

Kate Ferdinand set for awkward reunion with 'cheating' ex at Dancing On Ice
FROSTY REUNION

Kate Ferdinand set for awkward reunion with 'cheating' ex at Dancing On Ice

Answers: 1) Cornwall; 2) Essex; 3) Wilts; 4) Staffs; 5) Tyne and Wear; 6) Lancs; 7) Sussex; 8) Bucks

New York Pride sees millions marching the streets to celebrate LGBT culture and mark the 50th anniversary of gay rights movement

  • GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU