Saint Piran's Flag

flag of Cornwall

The Saint Piran's Cross, also called the Cross of Saint Piran, is a white cross on a black background. After the middle ages, it became associated with Saint Piran. The earliest known description of the flag as the Standard of Cornwall was written in 1838.[1] It is used by some Cornish people as a symbol of their identity.[2]

Saint Piran's Flag
NamesSt Piran's Flag, Baner Peran, An Gwynn ha Du
UseCivil flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion3:5
Adopted19th century
DesignA white cross on a black background.
(Sable, a cross argent)
Souvenir flags outside a café

The flag is attributed to Saint Piran, a 5th-century Cornish abbot. One early use of a white cross and black background design is the 15th-century coat of arms of the Saint-Peran family.[3]

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References

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  1. Gilbert, Davies (17 November 1838). "The Parochial History of Cornwall: Founded on the Manuscript Histories of Mr. Hals and Mr. Tonkin; with Additions and Various Appendices". J. B. Nichols and son – via Google Books.
  2. "Phil Rendle, Cornwall – The Mysteries of St Piran, The Flag Institute" (PDF).
  3. P. POTIER de COURCY, Nobiliaire et armorial de Bretagne, A. Aubry, 1862, p390