Blame the Crusades. English knights loved St. George because he was a soldier-saint—perfect for inspiring troops while they looted the Holy Land. King Edward III made him even bigger by creating the Order of the Garter (yes, named after a lady’s underwear mishap) under George’s banner.
St George - Patron Saint of England
By the 16th century, Shakespeare himself had England crying “Cry God for Harry, England, and St. George!” It stuck. Never mind that the guy was a total foreigner. English identity needed a brand, and George was the most marketable saint available.
Oh, and that red cross on a white background? That’s the flag of Genoa originally. England just borrowed it and forgot to give it back. Classic.
