Heraldic flag

Heraldic flags include banners, standards, pennons and their variants, gonfalons, guidons, and pinsels.

[2][5] In the olden time, when a Knight had distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry, it was the custom to mark his meritorious conduct by prompt advancement on the very field of battle.

[6] Banners of Knights of the Order of the Garter are displayed in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

[7] Banners became available to all English armigers as a result of a report by Garter to the Earl Marshal dated 29 January 1906.

"[2] Heraldic flags that are used by individuals, like a monarch or president, as a means of identification are often called 'standards' (e.g. royal standard).

The heraldic standard is not rectangular – it tapers, usually from 120 to 60 cm (4 to 2 ft), and the fly edge is rounded (lanceolate).

"With some principal figure or device occupying a prominent position, various badges are displayed over the whole field, a motto, which is placed bend-wise, having divided the standard into compartments.

for a "little banner"), has both a literal descriptive meaning for its use by knights and ships, and is also heraldic device for representing bishops.

The term originated in Florence, Italy, where communities, or neighborhoods, traditionally displayed gonfaloni in public ceremonies.

This flag is allotted only to Chiefs or very special Chieftain-Barons for practical use, and only upon the specific authority of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Banners of Knights of the Thistle displayed in St. Giles' Cathedral
Heraldic banners at the funeral of Elizabeth I . The queen's casket is escorted by mourners bearing the banners of her ancestors' arms marshalled with the arms of their wives. [ 4 ]
Standard of Sir Henry de Stafford, about 1475, features the Stafford knot and Bohun swan heraldic badges differenced with a crescent gules for cadency . The standard bears the Cross of Saint George for England. Black and red ( sable and gules ) were Sir Henry's livery colours. [ 11 ]
Standard of the Leonese Monarchs during the Middle Ages (until the 13th century). It is one of the oldest heraldic flags, and the documentation for the colours dates from c. 1150 . [ 12 ]
An example of a standard suitable for a Scottish baronet (who is, in this case, also the chief of Clan Macdonald of Sleat )
Royal Banner of the King of Denmark in the 14th century, based on the Royal Arms of Denmark