Shakespeare & St. George

It's an oft-remarked upon oddity here in England, that more fuss is made of Ireland's national party day - St. Patrick's Day, than that of our own dragon-slaying patron saint, St. George. I love a St. Patrick's Day party, but I do find the lack of English celebration a little sad. The Welsh have St. David and the Scots have St. Andrew, and, along with the Irish, their patron saints and their distinct identities are fiercely and resoundingly celebrated on their respective days. 

Today is St. George's Day, and beautifully coinciding with it is the birthday of William Shakespeare. So, what could be more fitting than a Shakespeare quote about England? Well, nothing - except for maybe a few English photos to go with it.

Happy St. George's Day, and Happy Birthday, Bill!

"This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars...

...This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself...

...Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world...

...This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall...

...Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--

...This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."

King Richard II, Act 2, Scene I

Photos: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire; The Peak District National Park, Derbyshire; The Bullring, Birmingham; Charlestown, Cornwall; York Minster, York; Lichfield, Staffordshire. All taken by me.