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CHAPTER VII: Cuthbert

The term "Jack" is supposed to have originated in the name of King James, or "Jacques." As for the "Union" - the united kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, gave rise to that. St. Cuthbert's Banner was at one time, perhaps, the most renowned of all the English flags. The Holy Saint Cuthbert was supposed to watch over the interests of Durham Cathedral, and the banner was kept during times of peace in sacred seclusion in the Abbey. When carried to battle, it was borne by a monk of Durham. On the top of the staff was a little silver cross, and on the centre of a large banner-cloth was a piece of white velvet, half a yard square, and upon that a cross of silver velvet was laid. Within this white velvet was the holy relique with which the holy Saint Cuthbert covered the chalice when he said mass, and the residue of the banner-cloth was of crimson velvet, most sumptuously embroidered with gold and silk. This banner was supposed, owing to the presence of this notable relique, to carry success wherever it was borne. Through its virtue victory was gained by an early king of Scotland, who happened to spend a night at Durham on his way to expel a usurper. Here he had a vision visions and miracles, I think you must have already noticed, were matters of every-day occurrence in these early ages - and in this vision he heard a whisper in his ear by some ghostly visitant, - St. Cuthbert himself, it is more than likely, — which bade him possess himself of the precious banner if he wished success. This he managed to do; and the rebels were soon either hanging from the trees, or hiding amid their bushes. It is even said that when the Earl of Surrey approached Flodden Field, he tarried long enough to get the banner well started with his host, before venturing to encounter King James and his army of tough, resolute mountaineers. This celebrated banner finally vanished from scenes like these through the fingers of the Catholic wife of one of the Deans of Durham. She made a fire, seized the banner, and that was the end to all benevolent efforts of good St. Cuthbert through the agency of banners.