Project Britain

St George: England’s Patron Saint

Welcome back! On our last page, we learned about the legendary St George, the brave soldier who, according to stories, rescued a princess and slew a fearsome dragon. But St George is much more than just a character from a heroic tale. He is the patron saint of England, and his story and symbols are deeply woven into British culture and history, even today. Let’s explore how St George is remembered and celebrated, and what his famous flag means to us.

The Flag of St George: A Simple Yet Powerful Symbol

You’ve probably seen the Flag of St George many times, especially during sporting events or on important buildings. It’s one of the most recognisable flags in the world, yet it’s incredibly simple: a red cross on a white background. This design is known as a ‘George Cross’.

The red cross has been associated with St George since the Middle Ages. English crusaders, who were Christian knights fighting in the Holy Land, wore the St George’s Cross as an emblem to identify themselves. By the late 13th century, it was widely recognised as the national emblem of England. It was formally adopted as the national flag of England in the 16th century.

When the Kingdom of Great Britain was formed in 1707, the Flag of St George was combined with the Scottish Flag of St Andrew (a white saltire, or diagonal cross, on a blue background) to create the first Union Flag. Later, the Irish Flag of St Patrick (a red saltire on a white background) was added to create the modern Union Jack we see today. Even though it’s part of the Union Jack, the St George’s Cross remains the distinct flag of England.

St George’s Day: A Day for England

St George’s Day is celebrated on 23rd April each year. This date is traditionally believed to be the day St George died in 303 AD. While many countries have grand celebrations for their national saints, St George’s Day in England is often a quieter affair compared to, say, St Patrick’s Day in Ireland or Burns Night in Scotland.

It is not a public holiday in England, which means schools and businesses remain open. However, there are often smaller events, parades, and celebrations across the country. People might fly the Flag of St George, wear a red rose (England’s national flower), or participate in traditional English activities. Some towns and cities host special events, medieval fairs, or dragon-themed fun days to mark the occasion.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to encourage more widespread celebration of St George’s Day, to help people connect with English heritage and identity. Many people believe it’s important to recognise and celebrate England’s patron saint with as much enthusiasm as other nations show for theirs.

Why St George for England?

You might wonder why a saint who never actually set foot in England became its patron. St George was a popular figure throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly among knights and soldiers, because of his reputation for bravery and chivalry. He was seen as a protector and a symbol of courage.

English kings, especially during the time of the Crusades, adopted St George as a symbol for their armies. King Edward III,

Written by Mandy Barrow