Things are Changing
Maybe the reluctance was because, for a time the St George flag - a red cross on a field of white - had been co-opted by England's far right and a particularly ugly kind of hooliganism. But all that is changing, a fact signalled by the flying of the St George Flag over 10 Downing Street in 2008 for the first time in 12 years. Now, St George's Day celebrations are popping up all over England.Who Was St George and Why is He England's Patron Saint
Good question and, as usual, nobody is quite sure of the answer. Historically, he was a high ranking, 4th century Roman soldier who was tortured and beheaded for his faith. Known for his courage and fortitude, it's likely that his stories circulated during the Crusades.In the 14th century, King Edward III proclaimed him England's Patron Saint when he created the Order of the Garter (one of the highest honors Britain's monarch can bestow)in his name. Later, soldiers on the Agincourt battlefield in Northern France were famously encouraged in his name by King Henry V. Shakespeare spread the word in Henry V when the King exhorts his troops, "God for Harry, England and St George".
Shakespeare may have had a vested interest in St George's Day celebrations. It was Shakespeare's birthday and, according to some stories, the day he died as well.
What About the Dragon?
Great story (see London guide Laura Porter's version) but a fiction I'm afraid. In the Middle Ages, the Devil was commonly depicted as a dragon and that probably gave rise to the story, as well as thousands of variations on St George and the Dragon as a pub name up and down the country. There is also a legend that he slew the dragon on Uffington Hill, near the famous White Horse of Uffington and that grass could never grow where the dragon's blood fell.Find Out What's On for St George's Day in 2009
Festivities are spreading around the country and every year there are more things to do for St George's Day. Here's a rundown of some of the best in 2009:- The Mayor of London's website lists places, times and dates for a range of official festivities, from free concerts in Trafalgar Square to free events at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- Shakespeare's Birthday in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Celebrations at Cressing Temple in EssexJousing, archery and other events at one of the few remaining Templar properties in the UK.
- Ironbridge GorgeFour days of celebrations including re-enactiments of the St George and the dragon legend, music hall entertainments and a bangers and mash supper in the birthplace of the industrial revolution.
- Birmingham CelebrationsFree concerts, jousting, sword fights and morris men in Victoria and Chamberlain Squares and Upper New Street. Real traditional English grub including a hog roast, local ales and ciders. Plus an evening concert (ticketed) in Symphony Hall
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire English Heritage plans the biggest celebration in England. A family day out with the ultimate showdown between St George and that nasty dragon
- St George the RomanActivity day at Corbridge Roman Site on Hadrian's Wall
- Richmond Castle Costumed storytellers relate the life of St George and his contemporaries at one of England's largest Norman fortresses, in North Yorkshire
- 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield St George's Day Children's Challenge. Learn swordplay, theatre fighting, archery and other knightly skills before setting off in a quest for the dastardly dragon
- England's Anthems at Dover CastleEnglish classics from the Betteshanger band at this impressive Norman stronghold on the south coast.
- Salisbury CelebrationsAn annual event in this southwestern town features, parades, music, food, street theatre and more. Salisbury, near Stonehenge has a a depiction of St George and the Dragon in the stained glass windows of its famous Salisbury Cathedral.
