Devon Flag designs

Why is a Devon flag important? Because it can be all of the following

      - an easily recognised icon for Devon
      - a representation of Devon's identity and of its people
      - a symbol for promoting Devon products
      - a symbol to promote tourism to Devon
      - a sign of pride in Devon and being Devonian

The process started with a discussion on BBC Devon's web-site, which culminated in a popular web-based poll. That led to the shortlist of designs, which you have now seen and judged.

The most favoured design topped both the original BBC Devon poll and the follow-up shortlist vote, and was designed by BBC Devon contributor Ryan Sealey. The design received 49% of the total votes cast in the final count.

Congratulations to Ryan, and to Devon people generally. You have had your say and have chosen a distinctive design.

THE FLAG IS NOW YOURS TO USE - USE IT WITH PRIDE!!

          The Devon Flag at Twickenham celebrating Devon's victory in the County Championship (May 2004)
           (Picture - BBC Devon)

An organisation has been established to promote and oversee the use of the Devon Flag. It is known as the Devon Flag Group. We are aware that commercial flag makers are now offering the Devon flag for purchase. One manufacturer is Mr Flag, and you can view their offerings via their website.

The merchandise is also available through retail outlets such as Shipmates,
2 Newcomen Road, Dartmouth. (shipmatesdart@aol.com)

This website has no commercial interest in the manufacture of flags (and neither Mr Flag nor other manufacturers had any say in the design or selection of the flag). You are free to make your own if you so choose (and have the talent)

                ALSO......IF YOU DON'T HAVE A FLAGPOLE (OR DO HAVE A CAR).
                DEVON FLAG BUMPER STICKERS AVAILABLE - click HERE

Following the release of the Devon Flag the following poem was sent to us by Dartmouth mariner Kevin Pyne

The Devon Flag

Across the soft breeze in gentle rhythm
Like the summer seas upon its shore
The warm janners green flag flies
To mark this mornings coming day
St Petroc's long lost Celtic cross is found
The cruciform shape sea spume white
A calm white of saintly patience
The white of clay
Our flag, which on stormy days cracks and shimmers
Up in the salt caked cross trees
Of perhaps a thousand small ships
Marking those who have Devon in their hearts
May it watch over and guide our fishermen and seamen
Until they are safe again
Let it fly high on the church towers as the clock strikes
To bring the farmers
To the green fields which feed a nation
Dumnonia's flag
Its cross is laced with black
As is the Moorland granite
The timeless headstone
Where they have carved our names in the past
And where we will remember those who have served our nation

Yet even as the flag was born..

Following a personal request the Devon Flag has been dedicated to St Petrock (or Petroc), who is a Celtic saint who frequented Devon & Cornwall. There are many churches (and other buildings) named after St Petrock - with Devon having the advantage in numbers.

It should not be forgotten that the winning design is the culmination of a process where over a dozen designs were submitted.

Thanks must go to all who contributed. Other designs which made the shortlist are shown below.

You can also see the full set of original designs and read more about the original discussion on the BBC Devon website.

There has been some feedback from a small minority of respondents who saw the green colour as being too closely associated with soccer club Plymouth Argyle. It should be noted that there is no intent for the colour scheme or design to reflect on any soccer club (we wish good luck to all of Devon's teams). The designers were able to choose any colour scheme they wanted. Most designers incorporated green because it is a reflection of Devon's rolling countryside and it features in Devon's representative colours as worn by such teams as Devon's Rugby Union team.

Any additional comment on the result, or the designs, can be sent by hitting the button.

DID YOU KNOW.....

That Devon also has a tartan. In fact it has three, two are manufactured in Devon!

You can see these at the following websites.

Coldharbour Mill and Tartangift.