As the nights draw in and the freezing grip of winter approaches, the proud residents of Lancashire will be brightening up the skyline by flying the glorious golden Lancashire flag emblazoned with the Red Rose of Lancashire in anticipation of another splendorous Lancashire Day.
Lancashire Day is the county day of Lancashire. It is celebrated on the 27th November each year.
In 1295 on 27th November, King Edward I, called the first elected representatives of Lancashire to Westminster to attend the Model Parliament of King Edward I. This ‘Parliament’ included members of the church, aristocracy and representatives from the counties and boroughs. This composition of people became the model for future Parliaments. Edward I summoned his Parliament originally to help his goal of raising funds for his planned wars with France and Scotland and uprisings in Wales. However, it also introduced a new purpose – addressing grievances with the King as many of the members were keen to do!
The first Lancashire Day was held in 1996.
Lancashire County Day is marked by town criers across the county announcing the Lancashire Day proclamation which declares the historic regions boundaries of Lancashire and finishes with the toast “God Bless Lancashire, and God save the Queen, Duke of Lancaster”. Lancashire County Day is supported by district councils and the County Council.
The flag of Lancashire County was registered with the Flag Institute in 2008. It was designed by Friends of Real Lancashire and has a red rose on a gold field. The red rose is the county flower of Lancashire. It was one of the badges of Henry IV, the first king of House of Lancaster and following the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, it became the emblem of Lancashire. Although never registered with the Flag Institute, the traditional Lancashire flag was a red rose on a white background. However, Montrose, Scotland had already registered this design and therefore the background to the Lancashire Flag was changed to gold. Red and gold are also the livery colours of Lancashire.
You can get all your Lancashire flags, bunting, hand wavers, car flags etc. etc. from The Flag Shop
