Corwall's National Flag, The History

[emerald-eyedwanderer]

Durdatha whye!
Good day to you!

The black flag with the white cross is the banner of Saint Piran, and is now recognized as the 'national flag' of Cornwall.

Saint Piran is the patron saint of tin-miners. Tin was formerly the most important element in the economy of Cornwall. Is is said that Saint Piran derived his colours from his discovery of tin, a white metal in the black ashes of his fire. Another story tells that the colours stand for the ore and the metal, although Cornwall was of course famous for tin long before the beginning of the Christian era. And yet another story is that the flag is said to represent the triumph of good over evil.

The unknown source of the flag has obviously resulted in many groups speculating on its origin. Here are a dozen possibilities:

-it was invented by D. Gilbert himself
-it is a relatively modern invention
-it was invented by the Cornish language scholar R. Morton Nance
-it was invented by Helena Charles, one of the founders of the Cornish Nationalist Party, who popularised the flag in the 1950's
-St. Piran melted tin ore, resulting in a tin (white) cross in the black ashes
-it is based on the arms of the Earl of Cornwall
-it is based on the black and white arms of Cornish families
-it is related to the Breton flag
-it is related to a Breton admiralty flag
-it is derived from the St. George's cross, but given Cornish colours
-it is linked to the black and white livery of the Knights of St. John
-it is rooted in celtic cross designs


Cornwall also has its own anthem, "Song of the Western Men". And its own national emblem, a shield of 15 golden balls, representing the ransom raised in Cornwall for the Duke of Cornwall, captured by the Saracens during the Crusades.

Tereba nessa. Comero weeth.
Till next time. Take care.



Attached Image. (Click thumbnail to expand)

[WizardofOwls]

Hidy ho, Em!

Thanks for the interesting info! Hmmm... the flag might have relations to Brittany, eh? Cool!

[CelticRadio]

I'm impressed. I have always wondered about the background of Cornwall! Thanks Emerald!

[emerald-eyedwanderer]

It's my pleasure. I really have enjoyed researching and learning about Cornwall. I am more than happy to share it.