The patron saint of England was first mentioned by the venerable Bede ca. 700. St. George is associated with the church at Fordington in Dorset where there is a stone recording his miraculous appearance to lead crusaders into battle.
1222 was the first observance of St. George's Feast Day in England. It became second only to Christmas from the 15th through 18th centuries. At one time it was customary to wear a red rose and fly St. George's Cross flags. St. George's cross is one of the three crosses which make up Great Britain's Union Jack and represents England. The other two are the crosses of St. Andrew and St. Patrick.
Tradition says the St. George was a Greek Christian soldier and favorite of the pagan Roman Emperor Diocletian. Diocletian made a point of killing every Christian he encountered. George was a Christian who went straight up to the emperor and renounced his edict and then resigned from the army. George was tortured and eventually beheaded for his stand.
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