South Tyneside Flying Historic County Flag

South Tyneside Council is flying the County Durham flag this weekend to mark national Historic County Flags Day (Sunday 23 July).

Geographically, the Borough remains part of the historic county of Durham, located on the northeast of the Durham coastline.

South Tyneside was formed in April 1974 by the merger of the County Borough of South Shields, the municipal Borough of Jarrow and the urban districts of Boldon and Hebburn, from County Durham.

National Historic County Flags Day is part of the Government's mission to celebrate the traditions that bind the nation.

And as part of the celebrations, the striking blue and yellow County Durham flag has been raised over South Shields Town Hall. The historic county flag flies alongside the Union flag and the South Tyneside Borough flag.

Councillor Audrey Huntley, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "South Tyneside has a rich and diverse history and heritage, from our traditional coal mining and ship building industries, to our unique coastal location with its stunning seafront and fantastic heritage attractions.

"This helps to define who we are, where we come from and how our area and traditions have changed and developed over time to create the communities we have today.

"We are happy to support this national initiative and champion our shared heritage as part of Historic County Flag Day.

"Proudly flying the community flag for County Durham serves as a reminder of our rich, shared cultural identity and celebrates and recognises the local traditions that bring our wonderful communities together. It has been raised alongside our Borough flag to recognise our past and present."

The County Durham flag is based on the St Cuthbert's cross with the whole design counter-changed horizontally between the County Durham colours of blue and yellow.

South Tyneside is joining cities, towns and villages across England, Scotland and Wales to fly the flag of their historic counties.

Peter Boyce, Chairman of the Association of British Counties, said: "We are delighted that South Tyneside Council is joining in the celebration of Historic County Flags Day.

"The historic counties of the United Kingdom are an important part of our history, heritage and culture. Displaying your county's flag on 23 July (and every other day too!) is a perfect way to show your pride in your historic county."

Graeme Keedy, a South Shields resident and historic counties campaigner, added: "It's great to see that the Council is flying the County Durham flag. This is a significant step in recognising and promoting the Borough's continued geographical and cultural association with historic County Durham." 

The registered flags of the UK's historic counties are also being raised together in Parliament Square in London for the national celebration. Of the UK's 92 historic counties, 53 currently have a registered flag, including all 39 of the historic counties of England.