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The patron saint of England is St George and although
most people are familiar with the legend that he slew a dragon, few can
tell you much more about him.
He is reputed to have been a Roman soldier, an officer in the Guard of
Emperor Diocletian who ordered his death for failing to recant his
Christian faith and as a result he has become one of our most venerated
saints. His memorial, St George's Day, is traditionally celebrated on
April 23rd although many other countries, cities, professions and
organisations, also claim St George as their own patron.
Observance of his feast day in England is not exactly a jubilant affair
but the occasion is observed in one way or another in most towns and
villages, perhaps with a coffee morning or simply the unfurling of a
standard such as that shown here. This huge flag of England, also known as
St George’s cross, with a red cross on a white background, appeared early
in the morning across the front of the Angel Hotel in the town centre on
Monday 23rd April 2001, a reminder to everyone from the staff who worked
there that this was indeed St George's Day, an act of such patriotic
popularity that shoppers waved and the drivers of cars, vans and lorries
hooted approvingly as they passed by. |
