Flag of City of London
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| Proportion | 3:5 |
|---|---|
| Design | A centred red cross on a white background with a red sword in the upper left quarter |
The flag of the City of London is based on the flag of England, having a centred red St George's Cross on a white background, with the red sword in the upper hoist canton (the top left quarter). The sword is believed to represent the sword that beheaded Saint Paul who is the patron saint of the city. The tip of the sword always points upwards; therefore, when the flag is held on its side as a banner, the sword would be printed to face hoist and would be located on the left as it is hanging down (see below).
This flag does not represent Greater London (which does not have its own flag, aside from the flag of the former Greater London Council), only the historical City of London which covers approximately 1 square mile (2.6 km2). All references in this article relate to that city, not Greater London, unless specified.
The flag is a banner of arms, derived from the city's coat of arms with the sword symbolising the sword that beheaded Saint Paul who is the patron saint of the city. Saint Paul has featured as a symbol of the city since about the 13th century. His full figure representation was rapidly replaced with his symbolic representation of the sword.
Some believe the sword is a dagger that commemorates the dagger of Sir William Walworth, former Lord Mayor of London, which killed Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt, in 1381. A verse at Fishmongers' Hall may explain the relationship:
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