Guestling Bradshaw CE Primary School

Very little is known about the real St George. It is thought he was born into a noble Christian family in the late third century in Cappadocia, an area now in Turkey. He followed in his father's footsteps to become a soldier and became part of the retinue of the Emperor Diocletian. The emperor ordered the systematic persecution of Christians and George refused to take part. In 303AD he was arrested, tortured and finally executed on 23rd April, becoming an early Christian martyr.

St. George’s emblem, a red cross on a white background, was adopted by Richard the Lion Heart and brought back to England in the 12th Century. The king’s soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle. It became the flag of England, and part of the British flag.

One of the best-known stories about St. George is his fight with a dragon, rescuing a damsel in distress. It is highly unlikely that he ever did fight a dragon, and even less likely that he ever visited England, but his faith and determination to die for his beliefs must have inspired King Richard, and St. George became the patron saint of England.

From the early 15th century, St George’s Day was a major feast and national holiday in England on a par with Christmas. The cross of St George was flown in 1497 by John Cabot on his voyage to discover Newfoundland, and later by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1620 it was the flag flown by the Mayflower when the Pilgrim Fathers arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

However, the tradition of celebrating St George’s Day had waned by the end of the 18th century after England’s union with Scotland, and is no longer a national holiday. Nevertheless, some places maintain the link with our patron saint. Salisbury, for example, holds an annual St George’s Day pageant, which is thought to go back to the 13th century.

St. George’s Day is celebrated by the scouts and guide movements, for he is also their patron saint. On the Sunday nearest to 23rd April, they take part in special parades and church services all around the country.

The most famous legend of Saint George is of him slaying a dragon. In the Middle Ages the dragon was commonly used to represent the Devil. The slaying of the dragon by St George was first credited to him in the twelfth century, long after his death. It is therefore likely that the many stories connected with St George's name are fictitious.

There are many versions of story of St George slaying the dragon, but most agree on the following: that a town was terrorised by a dragon, a young princess was offered to the dragon, and George slayed the dragon and rescued the princess.

Have a look at this charming video version of the story:

One famous Englishman, who was born and died on St. George's Day, is William Shakespeare, one of the world's greatest writers. He wrote plays for the theatre, and he wrote poetry too. Many people think he was the best writer of all time. Shakespeare mentions St. George in one of his famous plays, Henry V.

England is at war with France, and Henry disguises himself as a common soldier in order to mingle with his troops before the battle. They know they are outnumbered, but they are willing to fight. Henry makes a stirring speech, including the famous line: "Follow your spirit, and upon this charge cry, 'God for Harry, England and St. George!'" England wins the battle of Agincourt and Henry marries Princess Katherine of France, uniting the two countries in peace.

Another writer who died on the same day was Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, whose famous book Don Quixote was considered to be the first modern European novel and is regarded as one of the best works of fiction ever. Thus UNESCO declared the day International Day of the Book, and 23rd April is celebrated as World Book Day in many countries.

England is not the only country to have adopted St. George as its patron saint. He is often linked to battles, where sightings of the saint have inspired the troops and led to victory.

In Hungary, it is the day of Saint George the Dragonkiller, thus it is the name day of men called György. It is also the day of the Police, who honour him as their patron saint.

The day is celebrated widely in Jordan, where many churches are dedicated to St. George.

St. George's Day is celebrated throughout Lebanon, but especially in towns and villages where churches for St George have been erected.

Devotions to Saint George in Portugal date back to the twelfth century, and victory of the Portuguese in the battle against what is now modern day Spain, was attributed to Saint George. St. George became the patron saint of Portugal in the fourteenth century; the Portuguese Army motto means Portugal and St. George, in perils and in efforts of war.

Saint George is associated with several areas of Spain. He is the patron saint of the former Crown of Aragon, where on 23rd April, people celebrate its Día de Aragón (day of Aragon) in commemoration of the Battle of Alcoraz. Tradition says that St. George appeared at a critical moment for the Christian army, help them win the battle for the true faith.

In the Catalan region, St. George’s Day is also known as El dis de la Rosa (the day of the rose) or El dia del libre (the day of the book) but has similarities to Valentine’s Day. Gifts are exchanged between sweethearts, loved ones and colleagues. Traditionally, men gave roses and women gave books to celebrate the occasion – a rose for love and a book forever.

Find out what is happening in your local area and go along to give your support.

Try the 3 Cs – Charity, Courage and Chivalry. These are the qualities St George was known for. Think like a knight for the day. You could do something for or give something to charity, do something brave or be gallant (open doors for people, give something to someone you care for, and be polite all day).

Send your friends and family a ‘Happy St George’s Day’ card. Can’t find any in the shops? Make them!

Spend the day eating English food: start with a full English breakfast and finish with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding and apple pie and custard, perhaps washed down with a mug of English ale.

Sing Jerusalem and our National Anthem (God Save the Queen).

Celebrate Shakespeare by reading one of his plays, particularly the famous scene from Henry V (Act III, Scene 1): "I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'"

Email your MP and ask them why England’s national day is not a bank holiday.