10th December 1980
Jersey is granted its own flag
Although Jersey had long flown a red saltire – a stretched red X on a white background – it wasn’t until the early 1980s that it was officially granted its own flag.
Settling on a design not greatly different to that which it had used before, the flag approved by the Queen on 10 December 1980 sported a narrower saltire, still red, with a shield in the upper quadrant. Topped by a yellow crown, the red shield bears three Norman leopards. To make sure the flag is flown the right way around, the leopards should always be looking towards the flagpole.
The flag wasn’t flown right away, though, as it wasn’t officially adopted until 7 April 1981, four years after the decision had been made to search for a new design that would better distinguish the island on the world stage.
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Other events that occured in December
John Pinel stands trial for abduction
- John Pinel was tried for abduction after taking Susan Malzard into his home and threatening to shoot anyone who approached.
- Read more…
Seneca sinks off the Jersey coast
- A cargo ship called Seneca was wrecked as she approached Jersey in December 1836, leading to the loss of one crew member's life.
- Read more…
Jersey and Guernsey papers agree to merge
- The saga of the Guernsey Press and Jersey Evening Post had been running for over nine years by the time the two agreed to merge in 1998.
- Read more…
Seigneur proves to be a real-life Scrooge
- Lord Godfray was accused of being a real-life Scrooge at Christmas 1857 when he demanded payment from a local widow.
- Read more…