It is believed that England's patron saint St George was born in Cappadocia, which is now part of modern day Turkey, in about 280AD.
He was a Roman cavalry man who had a reputation for virtuous behaviour, valour and physical strength.
By the time he had gained charge of a regiment of 1,000 men he had become a favourite of the Emperor, Diocletian – but after converting to Christianity he was sentenced to torture and beheading on April 23, 303AD.
Many will also know the legend, in which St George slayed a dragon to save a princess, prompting a whole village to convert to Christianity – but, as dragons don't exist, it's not known what the origin of this famous tale is.
The decision to make him patron saint was made by King Edward III when he formed the Order of the Garter in St George's name in 1350.
Richard the Lionheart adopted it in the 12th century, and soldiers wore the Red Cross to distinguish themselves from the enemy in battle.
St George, who never travelled to England in his lifetime, is also the patron saint of several other countries – including Germany, Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Palestine, Ethiopia, Serbia, Slovinia, Lithuania, Portugal, Malta and Montenegro.
Read more at http://www.nottinghampost.com/nottingham-s-st-george-s-day-parade-was-bigges...
Bloody foreigner It is believed that England's patron saint St George was born in Cappadocia, which is now part of modern day Turkey, in about 280AD.He was a Roman cavalry man who had a reputation for virtuous behaviour, valour and physical strength.