By the time of King Edward III in the 1300s, Saint George was fully adopted. Edward founded the Order of the Garter, which is still Britain’s highest order of chivalry, and he put George front and center. The king wanted a saint who screamed “bravery, honor, and fighting spirit”—not a local, quiet monk. George was the action hero, and England wanted to be the action hero country.
But here’s the funny part: other countries loved him too. Portugal, Venice, Genoa, and even Moscow all claim George as their patron. He’s like the popular kid in high school who everyone wants on their team. England just happened to win the game of “Who gets him officially?” when they named him patron saint in 1415—right after the victory at Agincourt. Talk about timing.
What About His Day? April 23rd Is Weirdly Perfect
Saint George’s Day is April 23rd, which in England is usually… well, still kind of rainy. But it’s also the day that William Shakespeare was born (and died). So the patron saint of England shares his big day with the patron saint of English literature. It’s like a cosmic coincidence that makes you go, “Okay, maybe this guy belongs here after all.”
But let’s be honest: most English people don’t throw huge parades for Saint George’s Day. It’s not like St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, where everything turns green and people drink until they see leprechauns. In England, the day often passes without a fuss—which is probably exactly how George would have wanted it. Low-key. No drama. Just a quiet nod to the dragon-slayer.
Why is Saint George the Patron Saint of England? | The Irish Sun
