St George’s Day is a time to celebrate England’s heritage and culture. The term England emerged in the ninth and tenth centuries with the unification of previously separate Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms. The name derives from the Angles who were one of the Germanic groups which raided and settled in Britain after the departure of the Roman legions in the fifth century.
One of England's greatest achievements is its role in pioneering democracy and the principle that no one is above the law. The Magna Carta of 1215, whilst many of its provisions were focused on prevailing concerns of powerful aristocrats, did become one of the foundation documents of modern democracy.
Another huge contribution England has made to global culture is the English language which is spoken as a second language by billions around the world.
England’s more controversial legacy is its role in the British Empire. Whilst this has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, it is important to recognise the complexities of the 400 years or so of English/British colonial involvement in countries around the world. Clearly there were instances of violent oppression and cruelty, such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in India in 1919, but there were also positive legacies for countries that spent time under British rule, for example the common law legal system, respect for the rule of law, and the market economy.
St George who we celebrate today is believed to have been come from Cappadocia (now part of modern day Turkey) in the third century AD, dying in what is now Israel in 303AD, executed for refusing to offer a sacrifice to pagan gods.
Although St George never visited England, his reputation for holiness spread across Europe. His legend and feast day became popular with the Plantagenet kings in the Middle Ages. King Edward I started to use banners displaying the emblem of St George – a red cross on a white background.
Best wishes for a Happy St George's Day!
Digital imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers MP of 163 High Street, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5SU.
