Celebrating St George’s Day: Courage, Legacy & Values-Based Hiring

🏴 Celebrating St George’s Day: Courage, Legacy & Values-Based Hiring

At The Hidden Market, we’ve been busy behind the scenes — but today we’re stepping into the spotlight to celebrate St George’s Day, a day that carries powerful symbolism not just for England, but for values we believe in deeply: courage, integrity, and purpose.

🛡️ Who Was St George?

Saint George was a Roman soldier and Christian martyr, remembered for his unwavering faith and refusal to renounce Christianity — even when it was punishable by death under the Roman Empire.

Though not English by birth (he was likely from Cappadocia, in modern-day Turkey), England adopted him as a patron saint not because of his nationality, but because of what he stood for: bravery, conviction, and doing what’s right in the face of adversity.

🏇 Why Did England Adopt Him?

In 1348, King Edward III made St George the patron of the Order of the Garter, England’s highest order of chivalry. The legend of St George — particularly the story of him slaying a dragon to save a town — became a rallying point for English knights, soldiers, and citizens alike.

At The Hidden Market, this story resonates with us. In recruitment, we often encourage clients to adopt values-based hiring — focusing on character and integrity, not just qualifications. St George embodies the kind of principled strength we strive to recognise and champion.

🇬🇧 A Tribute to English Legacy

To mark St George’s Day, we also want to honour some of the most impactful English figures who’ve shaped the world:

• William Wilberforce – Led the movement to abolish the slave trade. Over 200 years ago, he fought for freedom — a cause that sadly still echoes in parts of the world today.

• William Shakespeare – A literary icon whose works remain essential reading. And yes, it’s believed he was born on this day too!

• Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) – Revolutionised modern nursing during the Crimean War through her leadership and sanitation reforms.

• Alan Turing – The father of modern computing, Turing helped break the German Enigma code in WWII, shortening the war and saving countless lives.

• Winston Churchill (1874–1965) – Prime Minister during WWII, known for his unshakable resolve and iconic speeches.

• Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658) – A complex figure who led Parliament's forces during the English Civil War and later ruled as Lord Protector.

• Sir Isaac Newton (1643–1727) – Discovered gravity and laid the foundations of modern physics.

• Charles Darwin (1809–1882) – Introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection, transforming science and human understanding.

• Stephen Hawking (1942–2018) – Brilliant physicist known for groundbreaking work on black holes and cosmology.

• George Orwell (1903–1950) – Visionary author of 1984 and Animal Farm, whose insights into power and truth still resonate today.

These individuals — and many others — demonstrate the power of determination, intellect, and values-driven action.

🐉 What About the Dragon?

In the legend, the dragon symbolises evil and fear. St George’s victory over it represents the triumph of virtue and courage — standing firm in the face of overwhelming odds.

Let’s be honest: we all face dragons in life. Whether it’s job uncertainty, tough hiring decisions, or navigating a career crossroads, they come in many forms.

At The Hidden Market, we've been slaying a few dragons of our own this year. But we’ve emerged stronger — and we’re here to help you do the same.

💬 Need a Hand Slaying Yours?

Whether you’re a professional seeking your next step or a business trying to find the right person, we’re here to help — with integrity, insight, and a clear sense of purpose.

👉 Happy St George’s Day from all of us at The Hidden Market.

Let’s face those dragons — together.