Boris Johnson, who has just completed his first year as mayor of London was particularly keen to “fly the flag” for St George and unveiled a number of free events for Londoners to celebrate the day at.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, also opened up the gates of Bishopthorpe Palace for young people to celebrate in, whist the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali called on churches to celebrate England’s “glorious heritage” on the day.
The increase in public interest in St George’s Day in England can only be a good thing in a nation which seems to be having something of an identity crisis.
Since the decline of the British Empire some have argued that England has been struggling to find its identity and purpose as it no longer bears the responsibility for having to “civilise” the rest of the world.
Others have pointed out that the rise of multiculturalism has created confusion about what it means to be English, which in turn has even led to the resentment which has caused increasing, although still relatively small, support for groups like the British National Party.
The recent rise in support for the BNP is not just a reaction to multiculturalism, it is also the result of a feeling that English identity has been sidelined and is no longer valued. There are very few leading public figures who seem keen on proudly promoting such an identity, often out of a misplaced fear that it may offend minorities.
Recently it was revealed that one churchgoer wrote a letter to each of the 44 diocesan bishops in the Church of England suggesting that every church ring their bells on St George’s Day to celebrate England’s patron saint.
