The Westmorland Flag

Today's the day ............................. for a belated celebration

We're a bit late hoisting our Westmorland Flag because Westmorland Day was on September 29th the date when the title 'Earl of Westmorland' was created in 1397.

Many people who have enjoyed a break in the Lake District are probably unaware that they have visited the county of Westmorland.  The county is probably one of the least recognised of England's counties and in fact, its flag only came into existence in 2011. 

The design is based on the shield from the coat of arms of the former Westmorland County Council which ceased to exist in 1974.  Historically Westmorland comprised two baronies - the Barony of Kendal which covers the southwestern part of the county, including the towns of Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale - and the Barony of Westmorland which covers the northern part of the county, including Appleby-in-Westmorland, the county town.  The two red bars on the flag are from the arms of the de Lancaster  family, Barons of Kendal. The stylised apple tree is from the 13th century seal of the Borough of Appleby. Hence, the flag represents the two parts of the county.

We're exceedingly proud to be flying it today ...........................