So Tuesday Morning in Tamworth the sun is out and LuluIII parked up in the ancient capital of Mercia, and the town is absolutely bedecked in bunting (try saying that when you’re drunk); flags and heraldic devices hang on every lamppost and building. They're going mad for it; for George that is - St George’s Day.
Saint George is, of course, the patron saint of England and he's popularly identified with England and English ideals of honour, bravery and gallantry - the only trouble is he isn't English at all. Apparently, very little is known about the real Saint George and Pope Gelasius said that George is one of the saints, “whose names are rightly reverenced among us, but whose actions are known only to God.” Hmmm, sounds like he must've had a spin doctor similar to Tony Blair's.
Another thing about ole’ George is that he is the patron saint not only of England but also of Aragon, Catalonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, Germany and Greece. Phew! But hang on there's more because he's patron saint in Moscow, Istanbul, Genoa and Venice (second to Saint Mark). He's also patron saint of soldiers, archers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers, riders and saddlers, and RTN reporters. He also helps those suffering from leprosy, plague, syphilis and, quite possibly, attention deficit disorder. In recent years he has been adopted as patron saint of Scouts and ex Kluangites I think . Hey Gunter you could probably investigate that for me and the boys and report back unless the SM's have hit you again.
However, despite the extensive list above (or maybe because of it) there have been rumblings... Oh yes, some people have started a campaign for Saint Alban to be the patron saint of England instead of George. They're probably the same balm pots that want to see some Australian bloke from the outback take “his rightful place as King of England” (they say he can be traced back to the Plantagenet line). I don't think they'd go along with any of this nonsense in Tamworth. They always celebrate St George’s Day in a big way in Tamworth – and certainly don’t want it changed to St Alban’s Day.
Okay folks, here is a quick St George’s Day timeline which I dug up any additions that I may have missed please let me know :
1222: the Council of Oxford declared April 23rd to be St George’s Day 1348: St George becomes the Patron Saint of England 1415: St George’s Day declared a national feast day & holiday in England 2005: The Sun starts campaign to make SGD a holiday once more Did you know that at one time the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ was sung on the 23rd April, in churches all across the nation? Yup, it was, or at least on the Sunday nearest to 23rd April. Anyway, that was then and this is now; and after the union with Scotland St George’s Day faded away until it eventually ceased to be a public holiday. But if the Tamworthians could have their way they’d have it back tomorrow. By coincidence, 23rd April was also the date that William Shakespeare was born (1564) and died (1616). This date has now been declared the International Day of the Book by UNESCO. So, I guess, we could have double celebration: Will and George’s Day.
Well folks I hope that has livened your day and keep thinking about the meet a notice will shortly be put up so till then enjoy the great weather that we are having,
Toodle pip Magic in LULU III wild camping go do it .
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