Why ‘Guy of Warwick’ should be England’s true patron saint
WHILE the rest of country saluted Saint George this week, one West Midlands landmark toasted our very own dragon-slayer.
Warwick Castle flew the flag of legendary knight Guy of Warwick.
And unlike England’s patron saint – believed to be a third century Roman Christian – Guy was English to the core. What’s more, he battled two dragons, a giant, wild boar and the Dun Cow – a giant heifer thought to represent the Danish army.
His standard flew from Warwick Castle’s Guy Tower – a move that will add fuel to the campaign to make the knight our patron saint.
Melissa Paniccia, Warwick Castle’s head of historical interpretation, said: “There’s no doubt George was a brave man whose life formed part of European history, but there’s no proof he ever set foot in England.
“Guy of Warwick was based in Warwickshire, fought not one, but two ‘dragons’ – in reality, the Danish army – and was the quintessential knight in shining armour, completing daring feats to win the love of the Earl of Warwick’s daughter, Felice.
“It is time for England to embrace Guy and recognise him for the hero he was.”
Of lowly birth, Guy is thought to have fallen in love with Felice, and after enduring trials and tribulations in the UK and abroad, won her hand in marriage. He was knighted before retreating to live as a hermit to atone for sins he committed on his crusade.
Michael Holland, marketing director at Warwick Castle, said: “Guy of Warwick is an exemplary candidate to replace George. Guy was a man of honour, valour, courage and devotion – to his love and his faith – and based on the dragon count alone, he beats George hands down.”
“Our voice echoes sentiments expressed for decades about the suitability of George, especially given his lack of direct connection with England.
“We’re steadfast in our belief that Guy, our fearless lover with a conscience, is worthy of celebration on our national day.”
According to legend, Guy was racked with guilt over the men he had killed and, out of penitence, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
He returned home years later to rescue Winchester from invading The Guy of Warwick legend suggests Guy fell in love with the lady Felice, who was of much higher social standing.
In order to wed Felice he must prove his valour in chivalric adventures and become a knight. To do this he travels widely, battling fantastic monsters such as dragons, giants, a Dun Cow and great boars. He returns and weds Felice but, full of remorse for his violent past, he leaves on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Later he returns and lives out his long life as a hermit, according to local legend, in a cave overlooking the River Avon, at Guys Cliffe, near Warwick. northern kings Olaf and Gonelaph.
He did this by slaying their champion, the giant Colbrand, and soon after retired to a hermitage in Arden.
Saint George’s links to this country are more tenuous.
Legend has it that he was a Roman soldier of Palestinian origin, sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his Christian faith.