As a proud Englishman, I would prefer if England reinstated celebrating our own original patron saint, St. Edmund, on 20th November. Brought up as a Christian, he fought alongside King Alfred of Wessex against the pagan Viking and Norse invaders (the Great Heathen Army) until 869/70, when his forces were defeated and Edmund was captured by the Vikings. He was ordered to renounce his faith and share power with the pagan Vikings, but he refused. Edmund was captured, tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and then beheaded.
For 300 years it was the banner of St. Edmund, a white dragon on a red background, that was carried into battle by the English army.
In 1348, Edward III founded a new order of chivalry, the Knights of the Garter. Edward made St. George the patron of the Order and also declared him the patron saint of England.
So at the direction of the king, St. Edmund was dumped for St. George, a Turkish soldier who had never been to England and is celebrated by numerous other countries.
It seems to me that St. Edmund is more a real part of England’s history than St. George ever could be. In my opinion we should therefore proudly remember him as England’s patron saint on 20th November with a bank holiday.
James Robert Askew
