St George’s Day
St George's Day today: no dragons slain other than an editor or two. I spared a few others who weren't fire-breathing, though on the QT their dental hygiene has some way to go.
As Crusaders returned to England they brought with them tales of St George and his reputation as a protector of soldiers grew.
His name was a battle cry that caused a highly desirable state in Englishmen to slaughter the French during the 100 Years' War. "King Edward and St George!" they cried. The French had Saint Denis. There's a lot to be said for a dragon-slaying George rather than a non-too-certain Denis.
People used to to mark St George's Day by wearing a red rose in their button hole and other traditions that rarely take place nowadays include Morris Dancing and eating fish and chips. We are a warrior nation - tending to slow down and to put on a bit of weight. There's a lot to be said for savage fighting. Keeps you on your toes, trims a bit of fat here and there.
Luckily for us our patron saint keeps an eye on all and sundry. Saint George is patron saint of soldiers, archers, cavalry, chivalry, bog-standard field workers and people with leprosy, the plague and syphilis.
That's a start.
Now all we need is for him to take over ManU.
(Though as Liverpool supporter I rather hope he's otherwise engaged.)
