St George's Day falls on 23 April every year. It is England's national day, it is not a public holiday, and a striking number of Englishmen could not tell you the date — which is not really their fault, since nothing in the calendar reminds them.
Why England's national day is 23 April
The date marks the traditional feast day of St George, the Roman soldier executed for his faith and later adopted as England's patron saint. It has been observed here since the medieval period.
The date carries a second association: 23 April is also the traditionally observed date of both the birth and the death of William Shakespeare.
What people used to do
The medieval and early modern observance was substantial. Feasts, processions, church services, and the wearing of a red rose — the flower of England — pinned to the coat.
In some periods it was treated with something like the weight Ireland now gives St Patrick's Day.
Why it went quiet
Several things happened at once. The Reformation stripped a great deal of saint-day observance out of English life.
The union with Scotland then shifted emphasis from English identity towards British identity, and the day never regained the ground it lost. England had a state and an empire to identify with instead, and let the smaller identity slide.
How to mark St George's Day
Nothing about this needs to be elaborate.
- Fly the flag. The cross of St George — England's, not the Union flag.
- Wear a red rose. The oldest tradition attached to the day.
- Wear the cross. Plainly, without needing an occasion for it.
- Read some Shakespeare. The date has a decent claim on him.
- Go to the pub. Historically accurate.
Frequently asked questions
When is St George's Day?
23 April, every year.
Is St George's Day a bank holiday in England?
No. It is England's national day but not a public holiday, unlike St Patrick's Day in Northern Ireland.
What do you wear on St George's Day?
Traditionally a red rose. In practice, most people wear the England flag in some form — a t-shirt, hoodie or cap carrying the cross of St George.
Why is St George's Day not celebrated more in England?
The Reformation reduced saint-day observance, and the union with Scotland shifted the national emphasis towards British rather than English identity.
Getting ahead of it
One practical note: if you intend to wear something for it, order well in advance. Late April is when everyone remembers at once, and the popular sizes go first.
The England collection and the MEGA range both cover it. Start with an England t-shirt or an England cap, and check delivery times before you leave it late.
About the author
Written by The Englishman Editorial Team — a small clothing brand based in Broadstairs, Kent, writing about English history, symbols and dress. Everything published here is researched and checked in-house. More about who writes this.