Patron Saints of the United Kingdom

What are Patron Saints?

Traditionally people see Patron Saints as symbols of how to live a better life. You can have patron saints of all sorts of things, like jobs, organisations and animals. For example St Francis of Assisi loved nature and wildlife so he was made the patron saint of animals.

Nations can have patron saints too. England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales each has their own national day named after their patron saint. Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over all areas of life.

Scotland

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and he is celebrated on 30 November. People celebrate the day by going to a ceilidh where they do Scottish country dancing.

You can find out a little about the history of St. Andrew and Scotland's national day by watching the video below. Listen to the narrator and answer the following questions:

What was St Andrew's profession?

Did St Andrew ever stay in Scotland?

When was St. Andrews Cathedral built?

Why does the scotland flag have a cross on it?

England

England's patron saint is St George, a famous dragon-slayer.

St Goerge's day is celebrated on 23 April and is represented by a rose.

Wales

St David's day honours the patron saint of Wales, Dewi Sant.  It's celebrated on 1 March.

People take part in eisteddfodau (competitions and poetry reading) and Noson Lawen (entertainment evenings). They may also wear Welsh national symbols, like a daffodil or leek.