On the 24th April we celebrate the solemnity of St George Patron of England. Here are some lesser known facts about this great saint.
He was originally a member of the Praetorian guard who protected the Emperor Diocletian.
As well England he is also patron saint of Portugal, Venice, Beirut, Malta, Serbia and Lithuania.
The name George means ‘tiller of the earth’ and farmers pray to him for a good harvest.
He was first venerated as a martyr in the 5th century with the dragon coming much later in the11th century
In medieval England St George was known as ‘Our Lady’s knight’ who protected her dowry of England.
He was made England’s patron saint by King Edward III in 1350
St George appeared at the battle of Agincourt in 1415 and helped the English defeat the French.