Happy Saint George's Day, everyone. Have an inspiring and fruitful day.

1. George born in Cappadoccia (modern day Turkey) around the 3rd century AD.

Although depicted as knight in medeival paintings, he is thought to have been a Roman officer.

2. And he was described as a martyr after he died for his Christian faith.

It is believed that, during the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century, St George was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods.

Although St George never visited England, his reputation for virtue and holiness spread across Europe and his feast day – the 23rd April – was celebrated in England from the 9th century onwards.

He became popular with English kings. Edward I (1272-1307) had banners bearing the emblem of St George and Edward III (1327-77) had a strong interest in the saint and owned a relic of his blood.The St George cross was not used to represent England until the reign of Henry VIII.

5.The story goes that St George rode into Silene (modern day Libya) to free the city from a dragon who had a taste for humans.

Images of George and the dragon survive from the 9th century. Originally these may simply have been representations of the battle between Good and Evil.

6. From around 1100, St George’s help was also sought to protect the English army. 500 years later during WW1, an apparition of St George is said to have aided British troops during their retreat from Mons. The naval commander of the Zeebrugge Raid cited the saint as inspiration.

7. He represents those we honour.

The Order of the Garter (founded in 1348) is the highest order of chivalry in the country. Queen Elizabeth II is at the helm as Sovereign of the Garter. St George’s cross still appears on the Garter badge and his image is the pendant.

Bits of this list was taken from @EnglishHeritage https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/st-georges-day/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-st-george/