St George's Day

Saint George is the patron saint of England and is celebrated annually on 23 April, the day of his death in 303 AD. According to legend he fought on the side of England in the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War. St George's Day was a major feast and national holiday from the early 15th century. Less popular now, it remains a celebration of English culture. Salisbury holds an annual St. George's Day pageant. It is celebrated with anything English including morris dancing and wearing a red rose. The St George's Cross flag is often flown and the hymn Jerusalem sung in church.