England’s National Day, the day of St George, occurs on 23 April every year. While not a national holiday, there’s still plenty to know about the patron saint. Slaying a dragon and rescuing a distressed maiden, the tale of St George highlights values of chivalry and bravery

Here are just a few of the off facts relating to St George, that you were probably blissfully unaware of until now...

A man against a dragon

The story of slaying the dragon – The Golden Legend – is similar to one from Anglo-Saxon legend. However many different versions exist, including one that said the dragon was so tough that it shattered St George’s sword!

A date for the calendar

23rd April officially became St George’s day in 1222, although the English devotion to him predates the earlier Norman invasion of the country.

‘A man can die but once’

St George died on the same date as William Shakespeare – the playwright passed on 23rd April 1616, leaving behind works that still plague the thoughts of young English school children to this very day. Just for good measure, it’s also international day of the book!

George and Georgia

In Georgia, St George has existed as the patron saint since the fourth century. Some 365 Orthodox churches in the country bear his name, representative of the number of days in a year.

Stretching far and wide

England shares its patron saint with Lithuania, Portugal, Germany and Greece, as well as cities including Moscow, Istanbul, Venice and Genoa. St George Castle in Lisbon towers over the surrounding landscape.

To battle and beyond

Richard the Lionheart was first to adopt the red cross of St George in the 12th century. His soldiers also wore it in battle to distinguish themselves from their enemies, as seen during the Crusades.

A medal of honour

The George Cross is the highest gallantry award for civilians and is can be awarded to armed forces personnel in situations where military honours would not normally be given. Depicting St George slaying the dragon, it is second only to the Victoria Cross in the UK honours system and was introduced by King George VI at the height of the London blitz in 1940.

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