WITH reference to the flag which flew from Oxford Castle’s St George’s Tower to celebrate King Alfred’s Day on October 26, the design of this flag dates back to 1970.
It is based on the battle standard of the West Saxons, which was not a flag as we would know it, but which was probably more like a windsock, and depicts a two-legged Wessex dragon (or wyvern).
These were red or gold and can be seen on the Bayeux Tapestry.
They have since been used as banners (a square flag), but with the wyvern being red and the background white – which is how it appears on the Drake family shield.
The eight county definition of Wessex which accompanied your picture refers to a new Wessex region and is just five years old.
It does not describe the Kingdom of Wessex, which in Alfred’s time also included Cornwall, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and Essex, although Essex may have been in Danish hands, ceded by Alfred to Guthrum to be part of his Danelaw.
Congratulations to Oxford for joining the growing band of places to celebrate a great Wessexer.
TR Spratt The Young Wessex League
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