| Flag Type: | County Flag |
|---|---|
| Flag Date: | 12th April 1951 |
| Flag Designer: | College of Arms |
| Adoption Route: | Regional Organisation |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:5 |
| Pantone® Colours: | Yellow 109, Red 485, Blue 300, White, Black |
| Certification: | Flag Institute Chief Vexillologist, Graham Bartram |
| Notes: | The Bedfordshire Flag is a community flag proclaiming the unique identity of this historic English county. The flag derives from the banner of arms of the former Bedfordshire County Council, abolished on 1 April 2009. Its red and yellow quadrants come from the Beauchamp coat of arms. The Beauchamps were a prominent local family, constructing Bedford Castle and named as barons of Bedford. Dividing the flag vertically is a black panel containing three escallops, derived from the arms of the dukes of Bedford. Horizontal blue and white wavy lines represent the Great Ouse, a dominant feature of the county. To give the colours greater definition, the flag swaps the order of the blue and white waves. The Friends of Bedfordshire Society requested this registration, supported by the High Sheriff. The county netball and rifle associations also offered their support. |
