The sight of English flags — as distinct from the Union Jack — has always been “the thing” to watch out for. There was always a logic that the Celtic nationalisms that threaten to tear apart the United Kingdom, would set off a thermostatic reaction in England, especially as it became obvious that devolving Parliaments to the member countries seemed to enhance their power, and ability to draw revenue away from England.

For a while, the English flag was contained to the political and social fringe.

But lately it seems to be hung up everywhere, like a great warning roar. History on the Isles is far from finished.