The Red Dragon, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.
The origin of the
Welsh Dragon is uncertain but its earliest mention dates to around 800 AD when it was linked with Wales in the writings of Nennius. In Welsh mediaeval poetry the dragon became the symbol of Wales.
It was used as a crest by the early
Welsh Kings, Arthur,
Cadwallon and
Cadwalder and at The Battle of Bosworth.
Henry Tudor unfurled his standard bearing a red dragon on a green and white background.
In 1901
The Red Dragon was recognised as the Badge of
Wales and was added to the Arms of The
Prince of Wales.
In 1953 the
Dragon was made the official Royal Badge of
Wales and after this it became the authorised
Welsh National flag.