St George's Day is celebrated throughout the country today. But how much do you know about the patron saint?

Here are 10 things you might not have known about St George's Day.

1. St George wasn't English

In fact, he never even set foot on English soil. He was actually born in Cappadocia, which is part of the modern-day Turkey.

2. He didn't save a maiden from a dragon because... well, they don't exist!

St. George was adopted in England because the story in The Golden Legend, about his slaying of a dragon, was similar to an Anglo-Saxon legend.

3. He's renowned for what happened on this day 1,714 years ago

St George was a Roman soldier who protested against the Romans' torture of Christians. He was put to death on April 23, 303 for refusing to give up his Christianity.

4. Why is he our saint?

He is also patron saint of Georgia, Malta, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia.

5. Just countries then?

Sufferers of plague, skin diseases, leprosy, syphilis and herpes can also count him as their saint.

6. Does everyone mark the saint's day today?

Bulgarians celebrate St George’s Day on May 6, when it is traditional to roast a whole lamb.

7. So what's with the flag?

The flag of England comes from St. George's Cross and is used as part of the familiar Union flag used in the UK.

8. And the cross?

The emblem that is now so famous originally adorned garments in the battle field.

The reason they were painted on to the men fighting for their lives is so that they didn't get mixed up with the opposition.

9. How long have we been marking the day?

In 1415, St George’s Day was declared a national feast day and holiday in England.

It grew to become a really big deal (almost as big as Christmas) until the 18th century when celebrations waned after England united with Scotland in 1707.

In 1222 the Council of Oxford declared April 23 to be St George’s Day. However, it wasn't until 1348 that St George became the Patron Saint of England.

10. Does Kent care?

Well, we all like to have a reason for a good march. You couldn't possibly let the day go by without going to one of the county's St George's Day parades.

There are several taking place including ones at Hever Castle, Maidstone and Folkestone.