An Ashford pub is giving away free drinks on St George’s Day – but there’s a catch

An Ashford pub is giving away free drinks on St George’s Day – but there’s a catch

By SophieAM  from Kent Live|  Posted: April 02, 2017

Generous George pubs are giving away a free drink or ice cream to Georges

Generous George pubs are giving away a free drink or ice cream to Georges

St George’s Day is just around the corner, and one pub chain has a great offer lined up.

Generous George pubs are giving away a free drink to everyone called George (and a few other similar names) on St George’s Day on Sunday, April 23.

Pheasant in Trinity Road, Ashford, is one of the 23 UK pubs running the offer, giving out free drinks to Georges, Georgies, Georginas, Georgias and even Mr and Mrs George on England’s national day.

Each adult George showing proof of their name that day will get a pint, glass of wine or soft drink of their choice, while young Georges will get a free ice-cream as a thank you for taking part and helping to set a new Generous George record.

What is St George’s Day?

Saint George’s Day celebrates the life of England’s patron saint, St George.

The anniversary of his death on April 23 is England’s national day.

He was born around 270AD in Cappadocia, which is now part of modern day Turkey.

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But who was St George?

* St George wasn’t English- he was actually born in Cappadocia in Turkey in the year A.D.270

* He was a Roman soldier who protested against Rome’s persecution of Christians

* He was renowned for his bravery, honour and gallantry

* It is believed that St George was tortured by the Emperor Diocletian, who tried to make George deny his faith

* St George was beheaded in Palestine on April 23, AD 303

* The Council of Oxford declared April 23 as St George’s Day in 1222

* St George is celebrated in many countries and churches around the world, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Lebanon, Italy, India, Lithuania and Malta

* St George is also the patron saint of scouts, soldiers, archers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers and riders and saddlers

* England’s flag comes from his emblem- a red cross on a white background

* St George is popularly associated slaying a dragon and saving a distressed maiden

Saint George’s Day is traditionally celebrated with parades, dancing and other activities.

Flags with the image of St George’s cross are flown on some buildings and people often wear a symbolic red rose.

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