As flags and symbols become more visible across UK streets, and St George’s Day approaches, the question of what patriotism means has – for many – become harder to define. Is it found in community pride, or is it rooted in history?
On Warden Hill in Cheltenham, 80-year-old Alex Adlam – known locally as the “flag man,” – flies four different flags each day, chosen from a collection that spans countries, counties and capitals.
It is his way of expressing pride in where he lives whilst appreciating the other cultures of the world.
“I fly a flag for every day of each month, I just pick them at random,” he said.
Adlam owns about 750 flags, including the Gloucestershire county flag. His interest goes back decades, sparked by a love of geography and history at school.
“I do understand how patriotic people are of their flag, I’ve got all the flags of the world,” he added.