Fields of Sidmouth’s union flag could pre-date King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935

THE old Union Flag flown at Fields of Sidmouth for the royal wedding is becoming too fragile to use for many more occasions.

The store’s MD Trevor Roberts said the flag was discovered in 19778 in a derelict attic at the shop shortly after his late father-in-law acquired the business.

“It was a little fragile even then. I understand large street displays were organised for King George V’s Silver Jubilee in 1935 and I was told by a former employee they thought it was used then, but it could actually be older than that,” he said.

“We last displayed it when the Princess Royal visited Sidmouth in the 1990’s and its condition is such that this may have to be the last time we use it, although we will look at it again next year for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”