| Flag Type: | County Flag |
|---|---|
| Flag Date: | 1st May 1950 |
| Flag Designer: | College of Arms |
| Adoption Route: | Local Council |
| UK Design Code: | UNKG7451 |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:5 |
| Pantone® Colours: | Green 355, Yellow 116 |
| Certification: | Flag Institute Chief Vexillologist, Graham Bartram |
| Notes: | The Rutland Flag is a community flag proclaiming the unique identity of this historic English county. The Rutland Flag is a banner of the arms of Rutland County Council, granted in 1950. On 9 November 2015 the council agreed to waive their rights to this design and thereby make it freely available for public use. The flag displays a golden horseshoe on green, the traditional emblem of Rutland since at least 1784. The horseshoe symbolises a local custom of uncertain origin. When first visiting Rutland, any peer of the realm must donate a ceremonial horseshoe to Oakham Castle. Consequently, the Great Hall now displays a unique collection of over 230 horseshoes — the oldest gifted by Edward IV in 1470. The semy of golden acorns that surrounds the emblem evokes Rutland’s status as England’s smallest county. |
