In some ways St George seems a strange patron for England: little is known of his actual life (discounting mythology), he was not born and never even set foot in England, although one tradition places his birth at Coventry. There is some controversy as to whether he should stay the patron Saint at all, a recent poll suggesting that St Alban, Britain’s first Christian Martyr from the late 3rd Century, would be a popular replacement.
So who is St George? as with many mythical figures the strands of myth and reality have become so intertwined it is difficult to get a clear historical picture of the man. Most sources suggest that he was born in Cappadocia, in what is now Turkey sometime in the 3rd Century (AD303 being the most common date). He was brought up as a Christian, and moved to Lydda in Palestine where he joined the Roman army, eventually attaining the rank of Tribune, which was in military terms a Legion Commander with rank of Centurion, although there are other interpretations of the title depending on time-frame, a basic interpretation would be an officer with some political clout[1].
When the Christian faith came under one of its many Roman purges under the Emperor Diocletian, George resigned his post and is reputed to have torn up the persecution order from the Emperor. For this act of treason George was imprisoned, tortured and eventually dragged through the streets Diospolis (in Palestine) where he was beheaded after refusing to deny his faith.
Quote: muskamber wrote in post #8In some ways St George seems a strange patron for England.
Yep, for a country where the Protestant Queen is head of state and the burning of a Catholic is celebrated every Autumn it does seem a little odd to 'celebrate' a Saints Day.
Still any excuse to sing 'Ten German Bombers' and hurl some patio furniture around
Was out in Manchester yesterday, never been out on St Georges Day before, pubs were packed, everyone wearing a red rose, i hate empty pubs so it was a blessing in disguise !!
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Tue Apr 23, 2013 7:28 am
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