I’ve been going to Genoa for years and have developed a real affection for the place. I know my favourite restaurants, enjoy the old city and, of course, its extraordinary maritime history.

That history prompted me in 2024 to write an article for our website about how England acquired the flag of St George and the Genoa connection.

I never expected it to become one of the most downloaded articles on the Yachtfinders Global website, attracting readers from all over the world.

It also attracts the occasional person determined to tell me I’ve got the history wrong. I actually enjoy that. Anything written about flags, England and centuries-old maritime history is bound to generate a bit of debate.

For me, that’s part of what makes the story so interesting. Genoa has been at the crossroads of ships, trade and maritime history for centuries, and after all the years I’ve spent there, it remains one of my favourite European cities.

How England Ended Up Stealing the Flag of Genoa – Yachtfinders Global Ltd