The New Student's Reference Work/George, St.

George, St., the especial patron of chivalry and the protecting saint of England. His history is surrounded by legends. The most probable story is that he was born of noble Christian parents in Cappadocia, became distinguished as a soldier, and, after testifying to his faith before the Emperor Diocletian, was tortured and put to death at Nicomedia, April 23, 303. Reverence for the sufferer spread through Phœnicia, Palestine and the whole east. Churches were built in his honor, and the Hellespont was called St. George's Arm. A legend describes St. George as slaying a dragon. In 1350 Edward III made him the patron of the Order of the Garter, and in the next century Frederick of Austria founded an order of knighthood called after him. He was much worshiped during the crusades, and was adopted as the soldier-saint who led his votaries to victory. He is also the patron saint of Russia. See Baring-Gould's Curious Myths of the Middle Ages.