1707 - 1801 The historic British Red Ensign became the civil ensign of both England and Scotland in 1707, prior to the 1801 Act of Union which made Ireland part of the United Kingdom. The flag consists of the King's Colors pre-1801 Union Jack in the upper hoist on a red field. Earliest use of a Red Ensign by the Royal Navy dates to the early 1600's. In its modern form, the Red Ensign dates from the change to the Union and is in the care of the merchant service. Any vessel registered in the UK, Crown Dependency or UK Overseas Territory, is a "British ship" and is entitled to fly the Red Ensign flag. (ref; dft.gov.uk, Maritime and Coast Guard Agency of the UK). See also (ref; redensigngroup.org)