Lorraine Worsley-CarterSt George’s day will be celebrated at the end of the April but how did England’s Patron Saint manage to have a castle named after him in Portugal?
As our family’s connection to Portugal has grown, so has our fascination with the country’s rich history. Since our daughter and her husband relocated to Lisbon in 2021, we’ve spent the past four years exploring the beautiful landscapes and uncovering the deep-rooted relationship between Portugal and England. Most recently, our journey took us aboard the Maiden Voyage of Cunard’s Queen Anne, where we were thrilled to see Lisbon on the itinerary.
While fellow passengers set off on their excursions, I couldn’t help but wonder how many would visit the ancient Castelo de São Jorge, perched high above the city. For those curious enough to check, they would discover that the castle is named after none other than St. George, England’s Patron Saint. But how did he come to lend his name to this fortress in Portugal?
A Royal Union and the Treaty of Windsor
The answer lies in a remarkable alliance cemented over six centuries ago. In 1386, Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, married King João I of Portugal. This union not only marked a royal marriage but also solidified the Treaty of Windsor, the oldest enduring diplomatic alliance in the world. Notably Charles III and The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, celebrated the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance.in 2023.
Philippa, known as “the English rose of Portugal,” brought her heritage and influence to her new home. Visitors to her marriage strengthened the political and military bonds between the two nations. This was particularly evident the following year when Portugal decisively defeated the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota, fought near the field of São Jorge. The victory was attributed to the divine intervention of St. George, who subsequently became Portugal’s Patron Saint.
A Shared Crusading Heritage
The celebration of St. George in Portugal also stems from the era of the Crusades. During the Reconquest, Christian armies sought to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. In 1147, King Afonso Henriques seized Lisbon with the aid of English crusaders. Their devotion to St. George undoubtedly played a role in his veneration across Portugal.
By 1385, King João I adopted St. George’s image for the annual Corpus Christi procession, symbolising the saint’s protection. Portuguese troops carried his flag into battle, “Portugal and St. George!” became their rallying cry — a tradition still echoed today while the Portuguese navy prefer “Saint George!”
The Influence of Philippa and the Order of Christ
Philippa and King João I’s children, famously known as the “Illustrious Generation,” played pivotal roles in shaping Portugal’s Golden Age of Exploration. Among them was Prince Henry the Navigator, Grand Master of the Order of Christ, a successor to the Knights Templar.
The Order of Christ, with its Templar-inspired expertise in navigation and trade, propelled Portugal to the forefront of maritime discovery. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias, both members of the Order, carried Portugal’s influence across the globe. From the islands of the Azores to the forts of Elmina in Ghana, tributes to St. George emerged along their routes.
St. George’s Global Legacy
St. George’s presence is now felt worldwide, thanks to Portugal’s maritime reach. In Brazil, he is not only the Patron Saint of São Jorge dos Ilhéus but also shares patronage of Rio de Janeiro with St. Sebastian. Remarkably, in Afro-Brazilian religions like Umbanda, St. George is identified with the spirit deity Ogum, symbolising strength and protection.
Even today, traces of St. George remain prominent in Portuguese culture. The emblem of the Order of Christ, a red cross on a white background, is featured on the flag of Madeira and the insignia of the Portuguese Air Force.
A Timeless Alliance
From the medieval battlefields of Portugal to the vibrant streets of Rio, the legacy of St. George continues to endure. And as you stand at the ancient Castelo de São Jorge, gazing over the rooftops of Lisbon, remember the saint whose name and spirit unite the histories of Portugal and England — a friendship forged in faith, fortified in battle, and celebrated to this day.
Next time you find yourself in Lisbon, make the climb to the castle and immerse yourself in the stories that echo through its walls. After all, every stone has a tale to tell.
Sarah Antonie
