St George’s Day and Shakespeare’s birthday
On 23 April each year, England celebrates its patron saint, Saint George, a figure whose story blends legend and history. Believed to have lived in the 3rd century in what is now Turkey, George was a Roman soldier who refused to give up his Christian faith and was executed for it. Over time, tales of his bravery spread across Europe, most famously the story of him slaying a dragon – likely a symbolic tale representing the triumph of good over evil rather than a real event.
Despite not being English, St George became closely linked with England in the Middle Ages. By the 14th century, he was adopted as a national symbol and protector, especially by kings and knights who admired his courage. His red cross on a white background is now instantly recognisable as England’s flag, seen everywhere from sporting events to national celebrations. St George isn’t just the patron saint for England. He also holds this position for Catalonia in Spain, Georgia, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Moscow, Istanbul, Genoa and Venice (second to Saint Mark).
In the 14th century, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and his knights that he founded the Order of the Garter. The Order of the Garter was a special group of knights (that still exists today). He made St George the patron of this Order and its badge depicts George slaying the dragon, so St George remains an important symbol of knighthood.
St. George and the Dragon. 1504-1506; oil painting on wood, by the Italian High Renaissance artist (Raphael), Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (1483-1520). Image: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group. 
Dragon statue on Victoria Embankment marking the boundary between the City of London and City of Westminster. Image: Chris Harris/UCG/Universal Images Group. 
Saint George red and white flag flying against blue sky from church tower, Shottisham, Suffolk, England, UK. Image: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group. 
Saint George’s flag illuminated on The Shard seen above HMS Belfast lit up in red. Image: Loop Images/Jason Wells/Universal Images Group. 
William IV, King of United Kingdom (1830-1837). Portrait by Sir Martin Archer Shee (1769-1850) of William in robes of Order of the Garter. Image: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group. 
England, Hampshire, Romsey, Romsey Abbey, Stained Glass Window depicting St.George and The Dragon. Image: Dukas/Universal Images Group. 
Knight of the Order of the Garter, 1800s. In ceremonial robes with surcoat of crimson velvet, mantle and hood of purple velvet, escutcheon of St George’s cross on the cloak. Image: Florilegius/Universal Images Group. 
Tower bridge detail with the red cross of St George. London. England. Image: Andrew Michael/UCG/Universal Images Group. 
Jordan River area of Madaba Map Mosaic, Greek Orthodox Church of St. Geoerge, Madaba, Jordan Image: Sergi Reboredo/VWPics/Universal Images Group. 
Detail of stained glass window depicting Saint George, Clayton and Bell, Boulge church, Suffolk, England, UK, Suffolk Regiment memorial 1900. Image: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group. 
William Shakespeare. Image: Ivy Close Images/Universal Images Group.
St George’s Day today is a lighter, community-focused celebration. Across England, people mark the occasion with parades, village fetes, church services and traditional activities like Morris dancing. Homes, shops, civic buildings and pubs are often decorated with the St George’s Cross, and some people enjoy simple traditions like dressing as knights and dragons—keeping the spirit of the legend alive in a fun, family-friendly way.
Interestingly, 23 April is also associated with William Shakespeare, widely believed to be both his birthday and the day he died. This coincidence adds a nice and patriotic literary embellishment to the date, linking England’s patron saint with one of its greatest writers. Shakespeare himself referenced and celebrated St George in some of his plays, such as in Henry V, where the king famously rallies his troops with the cry: “God for Harry, England, and Saint George!”
Together, these traditions make 23 April a very English celebration which is a mix of history, legend and cultural pride. Whether through flags, community events, or a line from Shakespeare, St George’s Day offers a chance to enjoy and participate in a shared story that has been passed down for hundreds of years.
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Sources:
www.stgeorgesholiday.com/about-us/saint-george/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c87prnvrnqlo
https://www.discoverbritain.com/history/traditions/10-facts-about-st-georges-day