Customs Connected with the Calendar: Chapter XI
St George's Day (April 23rd).—St George, the guardian saint of England, is often alluded to by Shakespeare. His festival, which was formerly celebrated by feasts of cities and corporations, is now almost passed over without notice. Thus Bedford, in "1 Henry VI." (i. 1), speaks of keeping "our great Saint George's feast withal." "God and St George," was once a common battle cry, several references to which occur in Shakespeare's plays. Thus, in "Henry V." (iii. 1), the king says to his soldiers 3—
"Cry, God for Harry, England and Saint George."
Again, in "1 Henry VI." (iv. 2), Talbot says—
"God and Saint George, Talbot and England's right,
Prosper our colours in this dangerous fight."
Prosper our colours in this dangerous fight."
The following injunction, from an old act of war, concerning the use of St George's name in onsets, is curious—"Item, that all souldiers entering into battaile, assault, skirmish, or other faction of armes, shall have for their common crye and word, St George, forward, or upon them St George, whereby the soldier is much comforted, and the enemie dismaied, by calling to minde the ancient valour of England, with which that name has so often been victorious." 4
The combat of this saint on horseback with a dragon has been very long established as a subject for sign painting. In "King John" (ii. 1), Philip says—
"Saint George, that swinged the dragon, and e’er since
Sits on his horse back at mine hostess’ door."
Sits on his horse back at mine hostess’ door."
Folk-lore of Shakespeare, by T.F. Thiselton Dyer; London: Griffith & Farran [1883]:
Chapter XI. Customs Connected with the Calendar:
