The date commemorates the founding of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons which took place in 1759. This was chosen as part of a public vote, the other candidates remain other significant dates for flying the county flag:
July 5 – the anniversary of the discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard, which was uncovered in 2009;
September 6 – on that day in 1651 King Charles II hid in an oak tree in South Staffordshire;
September 18 – this was the birth date of Doctor Samuel Johnson who was born on this date in Lichfield in 1709;
September 27 – renowned engineer James Brindley, who lived in Leek, passed away on this date in 1772
This is the Council of Europe’s day, rather than the EU day which is on the 9th May. The United Kingdom is a full member of the Council of Europe.
The county day was chosen as part of a vote. The other options in the vote can be considered to be other particularly appropriate dates on which the Somerset flag can be flown. These include:
19th May – St Dunstan’s feast day
6th July – The battle of Sedgmoor
