Bermuda

Oct 7

The flag of Bermuda is a distinctive and historically rich emblem that represents the British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Combining elements of British colonial heritage with local symbolism, the flag reflects Bermuda’s unique identity and its longstanding connection to the United Kingdom. Officially adopted on October 4, 1910, the Bermuda flag is a striking representation of the island’s past and present, embodying its political status and cultural pride.

The Bermuda flag follows the traditional British ensign format, consisting of a red field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist-side corner. This design immediately signals Bermuda’s status as a British Overseas Territory, aligning it with other territories and former colonies that incorporate the Union Jack into their flags. The red field places the Bermuda flag within the category of British Red Ensigns, commonly used by merchant vessels. However, unlike most other Red Ensign flags, Bermuda’s flag is also used on land, serving as the official national flag.

A key feature of the Bermuda flag is the territory’s coat of arms, prominently displayed on the fly side. The coat of arms consists of a red-bordered white shield bearing an image of a shipwrecked vessel—the Sea Venture, which played a crucial role in Bermuda’s early history. The Sea Venture was a British ship that ran aground on Bermuda’s reefs in 1609 while en route to Jamestown, Virginia. The survivors of this shipwreck became the first known settlers of Bermuda, and their story remains an essential part of the island’s heritage. The depiction of the sinking ship on the coat of arms symbolizes both Bermuda’s maritime history and its accidental colonization by the British.

Above the shield, a red lion—a symbol of England—holds the crest, reinforcing Bermuda’s ties to the United Kingdom. The presence of the lion represents strength, courage, and the enduring influence of British governance over the territory.

Bermuda’s flag has evolved over time, but its current form remains closely linked to its colonial past. Before 1910, Bermuda primarily used the British Blue Ensign, which featured the Union Jack with the territory’s coat of arms on a blue field. This was in line with British naval regulations for colonies. However, in 1910, Bermuda adopted the Red Ensign with its coat of arms to distinguish itself while maintaining its British allegiance. This decision set Bermuda apart from other British territories, as most retained the Blue Ensign for official government use.

Despite Bermuda’s self-governing status, the flag remains a clear indicator of its connection to the United Kingdom. The continued use of the Union Jack highlights Bermuda’s historical and political ties with Britain, even as it exercises a high degree of local autonomy.