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St David

Flag of St David

Last updated: 31 January 2011

St David is the patron saint of Wales. His flag is a gold cross on a black background.

The flag of St David is a gold cross on a black background, although earlier variations exist. These include a black cross on a gold field and engrailed edges on the cross.

The cross has been used on occasion as an alternative to Wales' official flag, although it enjoys no such similar status and appears less frequently.

It is the flag for the patron saint of Wales, and bears a similarity to the arms of the diocese of St David's in Pembrokeshire. Indeed, it is most likely to be flown on 1 March, St David's Day.

The origins of the flag are uncertain, though it gained prominence in the early 20th century. It is likely to be much older, and some claim it goes back to the seventh century.

St David's flag was adopted as the college colours of the University of Wales, Lampeter in 1888. It also represented the 38th Welsh Division in World War Two.

Since 2002 the flag has also formed a part of the Cardiff City Football Club logo. It consists of a shield containing a gold cross on black, with a bluebird in the centre.


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