Last modified: 2005-07-16 by rob raeside
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![[Devon]](../images/g/gb-devon.gif)
by
Jorge Candieas
There is now a flag for Devon (UK). The flag was designed by one of many contributors to a discussion originating on the BBC Devon web-site, which resulted in two 'internet based' polls attracting hundreds of votes. The winning design was the most favoured on both occasions. The flag can be seen at http://users.senet.com.au/~dewnans/Devon_Flag_Designs.html.
Paul Turner, 25 March 2003
The flag was designed by Ryan R. Sealey.
Ryan R. Sealey, 4 June 2003
The image above was made from scratch in the proportions 25:43, as shown on
the Devon
flag site. The exact shade of green is not prescribed and although the main
image at the
Devon flag
site shows a dark flag (RGB 0-126-0), the photo shows them a lot lighter. So
I standardised the shade to a BS RGB 0-153-0.
Jorge Candieas, 18 February 2005
The design of Devon's flag seems to reflect two separate influences. Firstly,
the use of the Green seems to stem from its association with Devon's rugby team,
and the Devon's flag group also claim "Viscount (or Lord) Exmouth flew a Green
and White Flag at the Battle of Algiers (now on view at the Teign Valley
Museum)." Secondly, it bears some similarity to the flag of Cornwall which is a
white cross on black. Although the Cornish flag has been around at least a few
decades, it is only in recent years, it has come to prominence, and Devon
neighbouring Cornwall would be well aware of this. A number of flags have also
arisen in various other parts of England and no doubt also led to a movement for
Devon's own distinct flag.
The dedication to the Celtic saint St Petroc is interesting. St Petroc is well
celebrated throughout the county, but is also the alternative patron saint of
Cornwall, and some people used to/still refer to the Cornish flag as "St
Petroc's flag" too. So there is a similarity to Cornwall here in more than just
the black and white cross.
Ray Bell, 5 May 2005
The Devon Flag Group has released a list of the days to fly the Devon Flag. Of course the Devon Flag can be flown on any day, but for those people or organizations that have a range of flags (and limited flagpoles) it was believed useful to focus on some specific days which are special to Devon, and on which the flying of the Devon Flag is most appropriate. A number of these days are based on specific events, such as when the Devon Show is underway, and a number celebrate some famous maritime vents. In addition a number are also based on those days associated with the ancient saints of Devon or those who have a special association with Devon. Many have interesting stories associated with them. These days are:
It is suggested that the Devon Flag should also be flown at local events -
such as the annual Dartmouth Regatta, Combe Martin's 'Hunting of the Earl of
Rhone' festival, any day the Devon Rugby Union team is playing (and the day
after if they win!!) or indeed any time a sporting team representing Devon is
playing.
It may be of interest to know a little more about some of these saints, many of
who have links with Devon going back over a thousand years. For example St
Boniface is also the patron saint of Germany and the Netherlands, St Geraint is
responsible for bringing the ancient British church and that of Rome closer
together, and St Petroc is remembered in numerous dedications across Devon (18),
Cornwall (9), and Somerset (1). Perhaps more mysterious are the lives (and
deaths) of some of Devon's other saints. St Sidwell was beheaded by her jealous
mother in law but where her blood landed a holy well started to flow. St Nectan
was also beheaded when he surprised cattle thieves but simply picked up his head
and walked home. St Rumon was once accused of being a werewolf (he was found
innocent), St Brannock was given a vision telling him to build a church where he
saw a sow with piglets, and if you have toothache a prayer to St Kea is your
traditional source of relief!
Whenever you fly the Devon Flag it should remind you (and those who see it) what
a great place Devon is!
The Devon Flag Group (DFG) is a body dedicated to promoting the Devon Flag (and
Devon), to set and maintain the standards for the Devon Flag, and to consider
and (if appropriate) critically evaluate Devon Flag products commercially
available. The DFG is not a commercial organization and does not make any
revenue or profit from commercial ventures involving the Devon Flag. For those
seeking more information the DFG has a website
members.fortunecity.com/devonflaggroup and can be contacted via its website.
Bob Burns, Paul Turner, and Kevin Pyne, 24 March 2004
![[Devon CoA]](../images/g/gb)devon.jpg)
by James Frankcom
The arms were granted in 1926. The red lion is that of Richard, Earl of Cornwall
and King of the Romans. The crown denotes royal descent. The chief illustrates
the maritime heritage of the County, in particular Sir Francis Drake's ship, The
Golden Hind. In 1962 a crest and supporters were added. The crest has a Naval
crown for the long association of the Royal Navy with Devon. From this rises a
pony's head. This represents Dartmoor, where wild ponies still roam. The dexter
supporter is a bull for agriculture and the sinister a sea-lion for the sea.
Thus both the inland and coastal communities of Devon are shown. The motto was
that used by Sir Francis Drake and means By Divine Aid.
James Frankcom, 13 October 2003
![[North Devon]](../images/g/gb-e-ndv.gif)
by Blas Delgado