St George's Day

Saint George is one of the most respected military saints in Christianity. He was a member of the Praetorian Guard under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

In 303 AD he faced a death sentence for refusing to recant his Christian faith. This professional soldier of Greek origin became a famous martyr. He has been heralded through the legend of Saint George and the Dragon.

Saint George is the patron saint of England in a tradition which began during the Tudor period. This was due to the saint's popularity during the times of the crusades and the Hundred Years' War.

He is also the patron saint for a variety of Christian churches, regions and countries. These include:

• Aragon
• Catalonia
• Georgia
• Lithuania
• Palestine
• Portugal
• Germany
• Greece
• Moscow
• Istanbul
• Genoa
• Venice (second to Saint Mark).

Saint George's Day is also called the Feast of Saint George. It is normally celebrated on 23 April.

Fun fact: William Shakespeare's birthday is also celebrated on St George's Day.

Our programme of free events

The council is once again hosting the much loved St George’s Day Tea Dance for 2023. Tower Hamlets Over 50s residents can dance the afternoon away on Thursday 27 April. Booking opens on Thursday 13 April.

Families and children can make, do and learn at home to celebrate St George’s Day!  There are several activities on offer at the virtual Museum of London. 

• Decorate your own penny plains 
• Explore the history of some of London’s best loved nursery rhymes