For centuries, the image of St George slaying the dragon has been a powerful symbol of English identity. But a growing body of historical scholarship is challenging the traditional narrative, recasting the patron saint not as a parochial national hero, but as a profound symbol of migration and cultural exchange.
The very fabric of the St George legend is woven with threads from distant lands. Originating as a Christian martyr in the Roman province of Cappadocia, in what is now Turkey, his veneration travelled across continents before being embraced by English kings and crusaders. This journey from the eastern Mediterranean to the heart of English iconography fundamentally reshapes his story.
A Saint for a Multicultural England
This revised historical perspective arrives at a critical moment. As modern Britain continues to grapple with questions of national identity, immigration, and its place in a globalised world, the story of St George offers a poignant reflection. It suggests that Englishness itself has never been a static concept, but rather a dynamic identity continually enriched by external influences and connections.
The saint's standard, the red cross on a white field, was itself an import, popularised in England by returning crusaders and later adopted by Edward III for the Order of the Garter. This symbol, now synonymous with England, has a history of international travel that mirrors the saint's own.
Reclaiming a Complex Legacy
This re-examination encourages a move away from a narrow, isolationist interpretation of St George. Instead, it champions a more inclusive understanding—one that celebrates the diverse cultural currents that have shaped the nation. It posits that embracing the saint's migrant origins is not to diminish his status as a national symbol, but to deepen it, connecting England's story to a wider, shared human experience.
Ultimately, this new look at an old saint provides a powerful historical counterpoint to contemporary debates. It reminds us that a nation's identity is not defined by isolation, but by its connections, its capacity to absorb new ideas, and its ongoing conversation with the world beyond its shores.
