Today, 23rd April, England remembers it's Patron Saint and celebrates St. George's Day.
St. George was originally a Roman soldier who was tortured and killed, on 23rd April, after refusing to carry out the persecution of Christians as dictated by the Roman army. He is a symbol for bravery, the poor and defenceless and is also the Patron Saint of soldiers.
Most people, however, believe him to have been a knight of King Arthur's round table and a slayer of dragons! This legend was popularised by William Caxton's The Gold Legend in 1483.
King Richard I prayed to St.George for protection and carried a banner with the red cross of St.George during the Holy Crusades. St. George became the Patron Saint of England during King Edward III's reign (1327-1377) and was adopted as the patron of his new order of knights called the Knights of the Garter, which remains one of the highest orders of knighthood to this day. The procession of the Most Noble Order of the Garter remains an annual event held at Windsor Castle and is led by the Queen.
Did you know that St. George is also a revered Saint in Canada, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia and Catalonia as well as being prominent in many cities such as Moscow?
Did you also know that Shakespeare was born on St. George's Day and 52 years later died on St. George's Day in 1616! Shakespeare wrote the famous 'Battle of Agincourt' speech which includes the inspiring battle call used by Henry V to rally his troops: "Follow your spirit; and upon this charge, Cry God for Harry, England and St.George!" (Henry V, Act Three, Scene 1)
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