Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794

English historian, scholar, and Member of Parliament. The reputation of this eminent historian rests mostly on his masterwork, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776-1788), noted for the irony in its representation of the rise of Christianity.

George, Saint, -303

Born in Cappadocia in Asia Minor, he became one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. As a soldier in Roman service, he was sentenced to death for refusing to repudiate his Christianity. In legend, he slew a dragon that was terrorizing a village populace by demanding human sacrifices. England is one of several nations claiming George as a patron saint.