This is a collection of flags that were flown during the 17th century. These are by no means complete, nor can I swear that they’re absolutely accurate. So, additions and corrections are welcome! France: Gold fleurs-de-lis on a field of white. Prior to 1590, the flag had a background of blue. France: There was no set standard for the number of fleurs-de-lis. There could be as few as three or as many as 23 or more. Great Britain: James Stuart created this flag after he became King of England in 1603. He combined England’s Cross of St. George with Scotland’s white cross of St. Andrew, which evolved into what is now known as the Union Jack. James decreed that all British ships would fly the Union flag from their mainmasts. Great Britain: In 1634, King Charles reversed the decree by his father and ordered that only ships of the Royal Navy and "ships in Our immediate service and pay" would fly the Union Jack. All other English ships would carry the Cross of St. George (above), while Scottish ships would fly their traditional colors (below). To this day, civilian English ships are not permitted to fly the Union Jack. Scotland: The Scots resented that James’ design of the British flag partially covered their longtime symbol, the Cross of St. Andrew. Even after James introduced the Union Jack, this flag continued to be flown on the foremasts of Scottish ships. Similarly, during James’ rule, English ships carried the Cross of St. George on their fores. Ireland: Although each Irish province had its own flag, this one was used unofficially to represent the whole country starting in the 16th century. The blue field was changed to green by the United Irishmen in the rebellion of the late 18th century. Spain: The Cross of Burgundy, Spain’s flag since 1496, when Philip I, Duke of Burgundy, introduced it to Spain after his marriage to the daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel. Portugal: This flag was introduced when Portugal declared its independence from Spain in 1640. Spain did not recognize Portugal as a separate nation until 1668. Netherlands: This flag flew above the Dutch homeland as well as its colonies in the New World, including New Amsterdam (New York). Dutch East India Company: The "OC" in this variation of the Dutch flag is from "Vereenigte Oost Indise Compagnie" (the United East India Company). The "A" refers to the home port of Amsterdam. It was also common to invert the initial of the home port. Conspicuously Absent: The Jolly Roger. English Civil War Between all the guards, regiments, and divisions of the two armies, there were many flags. Here are just a few. Royalist: 3rd Captain’s Colours, Blue Regiment Parliamentarian: Essex’s Bodyguard. Inscription: "Cave adsum" Parliamentarian: Sir William Sanders of Buckinghamshire. Inscription: "PRO DEO ET PATRIA" Parliamentarian: Robert, Earl of Essex. Inscription: "VIRTUTIS COMES INVIDIA" Royalist: Lord Hopton’s Troop of Guard. Inscription: "ET SACRIS COMPESCUIT IGNIBUS IGNES"