[Sparkologist]

To answer the original question, regarding the Union Jack strategically placed in The Stag public house, and to put an end to the thread wander and waffle.
This comes directly from the horses mouth, so to speak; Staggeringman, the ex-landlord of The Stag, with whom I shared a pint, last night. The clue is in the first sentence: "strategically".

The pub dates back to the early 15th century, as mentioned elsewhere on Accyweb. Old buildings leak and the flag was put up to hide a damp patch from view, on an outside wall of the pub.

So perhaps prejudices regarding the Union Jack can be put to bed.