St George's Day
The feast day of St George, patron saint of England, is celebrated on 23 April every year.
On this page, you can learn more about St George and discover the facts and fiction behind his legendary encounter with the fearful dragon.
To celebrate St George's Day at home, why not get creative with our easy instructions to make your own cardboard sword and shield to fend off any dragons you may find.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ST GEORGE
St George: martyr, mythical hero, trusted intercessor and a focus of community cohesion —there's so much about the saint (in fact and legend) that makes him an ideal patron for modern England.
Read about our patron saint and delve into the fascinating history of the St George wall painting at Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
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MAKE A CARDBOARD SWORD
On the hunt for dragons this St George's Day? Follow our simple instructions to making a Norman-style sword out of cardboard and foil.
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WHAT IS HERALDRY?
Get to grips with the basics of heraldry and discover the facts you need to design your very own coat of arms.
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MAKE A CARDBOARD SHIELD
Up to speed on your heraldry? Choose your colours, pick a fearsome beast as your charge, and make your own medieval shield.
Make a felt dragon
Although this dragon may be somewhat cuddlier than the one portrayed in the legend of St George, it is still a fantastic beast! Print out our dragon pattern and watch the step-by-step video tutorial to create your own fiery friend and celebrate this legendary tale.
Download the patternWho was St George?
The story of England's patron saint in his battle against the legendary dragon is as iconic as his red and white flag. But like many early saints, very little is known about the details of his life.
If you'd like to separate the fact from the fiction, read our article on the truth behind the legend of St George, or listen to the English Heritage Podcast as Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter unravels the secrets of our heroic patron saint.
Listen to the podcastHistory in Focus
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Dragons and their Origins
Where did the dragon myth originate, and why are dragon stories so widespread across at least two continents?
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How to spot a dragon: a guide for mythical reptiles
Can you correctly identify these mythical reptiles? Our guide explores their differences, and provides tips on where to spot them.
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Where do myths, legends and folktales come from?
Myths and legends are woven into the fabric of our culture, but where did they come from? Carolyne Larrington investigates.
More to Explore
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Things For Kids To Do
Get creative and explore the past with our collection of history-themed crafts and activities - perfect for a rainy day!
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Listen: The English Heritage Podcast
Explore entertaining tales from unexpected places to discover what our past can tell us about our present, and perhaps our future.
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Shop St George's Day
Looking to keep the family entertained? Choose from our range of classic toys, games, outfits, and activity kits.