Move over St George: Huddersfield researchers call for a new patr
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:24:00 GMT
Each year a large number of English people celebrate St George's Day. But though there is a greater recognition of St George's Day and a preparedness to celebrate, uncertainty persists as to how the day should be appropriately marked.
In response, the Academy for the Study of Britishness at the University of Huddersfield decided to ask the institution's staff and students to nominate an alternative patron saint, or rather someone who would be the right figure to be honoured with being the subject of a national day that encapsulated Englishness for the 21st Century.
Respondents were also asked how they felt the day of their chosen 'saint' should be marked in order to make it an appropriately national day. The responses they received were diverse and illuminating.
A number of contemporary English 'national treasures' were suggested, including Stephen Fry, Billy Bragg, John Peel and Joanna Lumley (one of the few women to be nominated). Historical and fictional figures also featured, notably Robin Hood whose credo of 'rob the rich to feed the poor' was lauded as a suitably English response to the banking crisis – though some had concerns over his 'criminal tendencies.'
Two figures dominated the survey, providing a fascinating insight into how Englishness is understood by many people. The most popular suggestion was Winston Churchill, who was celebrated for his wartime leadership and what were seen as his very English qualities of doggedness, gentlemanliness and the sporting of a stiff upper lip. The war-like attributes of St George would appear to be integral for some in the celebration of an English national figure. One proposer suggested we celebrate Churchill by getting drunk, smoking cigars and reciting his speeches.
The other key figure was William Shakespeare, whose popularity reflected the belief that, as one respondent put it, "a nation has nothing if it does not have literature." This reflects the overall popularity of cultural icons, who as a group dominated the poll.
Although Churchill emerged as the clear winner of alternative figure for a national day the actual largest vote was for the retention of St George. People who argued for this were keen to defend his place in the national affections on the grounds that tradition should be left alone; though one of the key themes to emerge from the survey was that many people were keen to champion Englishness as an identity that embraced many cultures and backgrounds.
One of the organisers of the survey was Dr Andy Mycock: "The view of Englishness that emerged from this survey was largely positive. Englishness was evocative of artistry, community and endeavour as well as a cheerful willingness to buck the system when required. And this survey reflects our findings from last year, that there is a definite desire for more public events to be hosted to celebrate Englishness, be it through St George or even, as one suggested, Simon Cowell!"
