The Traveling Taylors

When you think of London, chances are the Union Jack comes to mind—waving proudly on double-decker buses and souvenir shops. But here’s the twist: the Union Jack isn’t the official London flag. In fact, London has its own unique flag with deep historic roots. If you’ve ever been confused by the different flags flying around the UK, this quick guide will clear up the difference between the London flag, the Union Jack, and the flag of England.

🏴 What Does the London Flag Look Like?

The official flag of the City of London features:

• A white background
• A red St. George’s Cross (horizontal + vertical red lines)
• A red sword in the top left quadrant (known as the hoist)

This flag represents the City of London Corporation, the governing body for the historic square mile at the heart of modern London.

Fun Fact: The sword is said to honor St. Paul, the city’s patron saint, who was martyred by beheading.

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What Is the Union Jack Then?

The Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom, representing the union of:

• England (St. George’s Cross)
• Scotland (St. Andrew’s Cross)
• Ireland (Northern Ireland) (St. Patrick’s Saltire)

Note: Wales is not directly represented on the Union Jack because it was already united with England when the original union was formed.

🏴 What About the Flag of England?

Many people confuse the England flag with the London flag—and for good reason. The England flag is simply:

• A white background
• A bold red St. George’s Cross (No sword!)

You’ll see this flag flown at national sporting events (like football matches) or on national holidays such as St. George’s Day.

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🧭 So Which Flag Represents London Today?

That depends on what part of “London” you’re talking about:

Flag	Represents
City of London flag	The historic financial district (Square Mile)
England flag	The country of England
Union Jack	The United Kingdom (including London)

If you’re near Bank Station, St. Paul’s Cathedral, or Tower Bridge, you’ll likely see the City of London flag flying from buildings and lampposts.

🤔 Why the Confusion Between the Flags?

Most tourists (and even some locals) assume the Union Jack covers it all. It’s everywhere—from souvenirs to royal events—and often overshadows local flags.

But here’s the truth:

• The Union Jack represents the nation.
• The London flag represents the city’s heart.
• The England flag represents the country, not the capital.

📍 Where to Spot the London Flag

Keep your eyes open in the City of London—not to be confused with Greater London:

• Guildhall
• City of London Police stations
• Historic pubs and livery halls
• The Tower of London area

Travel Tip: Pair this flag-spotting with a walking tour of historic London or check out our first-timer’s guide to London’s neighborhoods to understand how the city is laid out.

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🧠London Flag vs. Union Jack

It’s easy to assume London’s flag is the same as the UK’s—but that’s not the case. The City of London flag is steeped in local history and symbolism that dates back centuries. Next time you’re exploring the capital, look up—you just might spot this lesser-known piece of London’s identity flying high above the crowds.