According to English Heritage, St George was probably a Roman officer, not a knight, who is thought to have been born in Cappodocia (now in Turkey) and to have died in Lydda, which was in the Roman province of Palestine, in AD 303. He was martyred for his Christian faith.
The legend of George slaying a dragon doesn’t appear until the 13th century.
Venice, Genoa, Portugal and Catalonia also celebrate St George and the day is both the birth date and death date of William Shakespeare.
1. Cheers, by George!
Pictured at the Devonshire Arms, Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, where landlord and regulars were getting ready to celebrate St George's Day. Seen left to right are landlord James Brown, Lynn Green, Katie Birch, Terry Schofield and Adrian Crutcher. Photo: Mike Waistell
2. Lord mayor's cance
Sheffield's 2006-7 Lord Mayor Coun Jackie Drayton with musicians outside the town hall, watching dancers celebrate St George's Day Photo: Stuart Hastings
3. Catalan celebration
Sheffield's Catalan giants, taking part in the day of dance to celebrate St George's Day. St George is also the patron saint of Catalonia in Spain. Photo: Stuart Hastings
4. Love those tights!
Dance group Lizzie Dripping perform outside Sheffield Town Hall to celebrate St George's Day. Photo: Stuart Hastings