Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 February 1902 — BIRTHPLACE OF THE STARS AND STRIPES. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BIRTHPLACE OF THE STARS AND STRIPES.

The great army of American tourists who invade England during the summer and early autumn visit all the “sights” of Interest, including, of coutne, the ancient church at Great Brington, Northamptonshire, wherein repose some of the ancestors of George Washington. Strange to say, however, no pilgrimages are usually made to a place only a few miles from Grest Brington, which should be es still greater historical importance to American citizens. f*hc national flag of the United States is believed to have originated at Sulgrave Manor, the gift of Henry VIII. to Lawrence Washington. There Lawrence Washington lived prior to his residence in Brington. He caused to be erected over the porch of the manor house the family crest of three stars and two stripes, which also appears over his tomb. Though this crest of Lawrence Washington is believed to have been the genesis of-the United States flag, American visitors to England appear to have lost sight of the fact. The illustration shows Sulgrave Manor.