The Flag of Bermuda
The flag of Bermuda features a Red Ensign, a red field with the Union Jack in the upper left corner, signifying Bermuda's ties to the United Kingdom. To the right, towards the fly, is Bermuda's coat of arms: a red lion holding a shield that depicts a shipwreck off the coast, symbolizing the historical shipwreck of the Sea Venture in 1609, which led to the island's colonization.
History of The Flag of Bermuda
The flag of Bermuda was officially adopted on October 4, 1910. The design reflects Bermuda's colonial history and its status as a British Overseas Territory. The use of the Red Ensign base is common among British territories and signifies Bermuda's maritime heritage and its relationship with the United Kingdom. The inclusion of the coat of arms, granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1615, adds a unique element that tells the story of Bermuda's founding after the Sea Venture shipwreck, which was pivotal in the island's colonization. Over the years, the flag has come to represent Bermuda's identity, blending its British ties with its own distinct history and culture.