As a British overseas territory,Bermuda's flag features the United Kingdom flag upper left. The green and white badge displays a red lion holding a shield that symbolizes the sinking of the Sea Venture about one mile off the coastline of Bermuda in the summer of 1609.The ship was caught in a hurricane, and subsequently struck a reef.
If you've ever cruised to Bermuda,you've likely seen the colourful Bermuda flag flying high just as your cruise ship pulls in close to the port. The flag of Bermuda, which was created in 1910, features the British Union Flag in the upper left corner, a red ensign,and the Bermuda coat of arms on the right. This banner is certainly unique, but have you ever wondered about the significance of these symbols? Check out this history of the Bermuda flag and learn what each of these markings represents.
Bermuda's History as a British Territory
With the Union Jack boldly displayed in the top left corner of the Bermuda flag, it's no mystery that British heritage is a key part of this nation's history. However, the island's European origins actually started with the Spanish when explorer Juan de Bermúdez landed on the island in 1503.
Though Bermúdez is the source of the name Bermuda, the island wasn't officially settled until 1609 when an English company — the same one that founded Jamestown — arrived on the island. “Sea Venture,” a 17th-century sailing ship, brought the English empire to Bermuda.The ship struck a reef, and its subsequent wreck is believed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare's play “The Tempest.”
Though this British ship landed in the 1600 s, the island wasn't an official British colony until 1707. From 1609 to1 614, Bermuda was considered an extension of Virginia. Another British company, Somers Isles Company, oversaw the colony until 1684. The English Crown took over after that, and when Scotland and England united their parliaments in 1707, Bermuda became a colony of the newly formed Kingdom of Great Britain. Bermuda's British heritage is more than a historical footnote. Today, citizens born in Bermuda claim rights asboth British Overseas Territory citizens and as Bermudians. Flagsworld.org provides the details of Bermuda Flag with image, meaning, history, country information, currency, codes and time zone.