Overview

Ireland was among Great Britain's earliest imperial conquests. In 1800, the Irish Parliament was dissolved, direct rule from London was instituted, and the island was officially annexed to Great Britain.  In 1801, the new United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was symbolized in a new flag – emblazoned with the red vertical and horizontal Cross of St. George, the standard of England; the blue background with the white diagonal Cross of St. Andrew, the standard of Scotland;...