St George Faces the Dragon at Carlisle Castle

- Saturday April 19 and Sunday April 20 -

Paul Ardley, English Heritage’s site supervisor at Carlisle Castle raises the St George flag at Carlisle Castle to highlight how English Heritage is raising St George’s profile and is putting on a whole host of events to celebrate our patron saint. As English Heritage gears up for the largest range of St George’s Day events yet in the North of England to celebrate England’s patron saint, Carlisle Castle is inviting visitors to a rendition of the encounter between St George and the dragon on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April

If little is known about St George the man, his myth is legendary. A dragon-slaying Christian hero who triumphs over evil in a feat of bravery and honour. His myth has survived centuries and even today he is seen as a controversial figure who is often the subject of many stories and heated debate.

The Inner State Theatre will create their rendition of the battle between St George and the dragon with a surprising twist in the dragon’s tale for visitors.

Jon Hogan of English Heritage said: “The St George with a twist in the tale event is a great chance of people to learn about the English patron saint while exploring the Castle.”

Pre-booking is not necessary and the shows are on at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. Admission is: Adult £4.50/ Concession £3.60/ Children £2.30. English Heritage members go free.

Paul Ardley, English Heritage’s site supervisor at Carlisle Castle raises the St George flag at Carlisle Castle to highlight how English Heritage is raising St George’s profile and is putting on a whole host of events to celebrate our patron saint. Why St George’s Day and why the flag?

St George was apparently caught and put to death on April 23, which is still celebrated as the date of his martyrdom. His flag was adopted by the knights of the Crusades more than 500 years later. They wore a red cross against a white background over their armour the same as the flag today.

Extra facts

Baden Powell also named St George is also the patron saint of Scouts, “St George was typical of what a Scout should be.”

St George is also the patron saint of soldiers, archers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers, riders and saddlers, and he helps those suffering from leprosy, plague and syphilis.

During World War 2 King George V1 established the George Cross for outstanding acts of Civilian Valour.

St George's Day continued to grow in popularity and the 23rd April soon became an occasion for feasting in monasteries across England. 
 

For further information on St Georges Day events, admission prices and opening times at all English Heritage properties across the North call: 0870 333 1181 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/stgeorgesday