Throughout March and April there are a host of saints days including St David, St Patrick and St George, who is the patron saint of England. He is celebrated annually on 23rd April but how well do you know him?
St George wasn't English
He might be England's patron saint, but St George is likely to have been born in what is now Turkey and is thought to have been born in the Middle East. Many historians even argue about whether he ever came to Britain at all. He was known because he had quite the reputation and his emblem was adapted by King Richard I, later forming part of the English flag.
St George wasn't a knight
While we see St George often dressed in armour he wasn't known to be a knight. He is thought to have been a soldier, likely in the Roman army, but he wasn;t a knight. He was believed to have refused to acknowledge paganism which led to his assassination and how he became a martyr.
He isn't just England's Patron Saint
He is also the patron of soldiers, farmers and plague sufferers among other things. He is also the patron saint of the scouts. At one time he was known as being one of the fourteen holy helpers who helped those in need. Other countries who have St George as their patron are Venice, Genoa, Portugal and Catalonia.
He didn't slay a dragon
Though we're sure you already knew that one! The story with the dragon was published in the 15th century, but George dates back to around the 10th century. The dragon was completely fictional though.
