Andy Mycock: Enter the dragon slayer – but who else could be England's patron saint?

His emblem, the red cross on a white background, was adopted by Richard the Lionheart, brought to England in the 12th century and this weekend there will be countless celebrations in his name.

The popularity of St George's Day, reflected in the availability of cards, flags and the sheer number of organised religious and cultural events hosted by churches, local authorities and pubs across the land, is growing.

In part it's linked to a renewed sense of Englishness stimulated by a "backlash" to devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It's also a World Cup year which inevitably reinforces a sense of national identity.

But while there may be greater recognition of St George's Day than in previous years, is he really the best patron saint England could have?

Happy to offer his patron saint services to a range of other countries, such as Turkey and Georgia, some complain that dear old George can't even be considered a uniquely English figure. For others, he appears as a symbol of exclusion, in whose name a very xenophobic nationalism is mobilised.

An interloper, who took over the post of patron saint from St Edward the Confessor in the 14th century, St George himself set the precedent for substitution and so, going in search of a new English icon, we asked the staff and students at Huddersfield University for their suggestions.

The responses were varied and in some cases downright bizarre – one, tongue no doubt firmly in cheek, suggested "whoever invented hair straighteners". A number of contemporary "national treasures" were proposed, including Stephen Fry, Billy Bragg, Ian McKellen, John Peel, David Attenborough, and Terry Pratchett. More worryingly, one person proposed comedian Roy "Chubby" Brown as someone who reflected the coarser elements of Englishness.

Only one suggested a return to Edward the Confessor, but other historical figures put forward included Oliver Cromwell, Charles Darwin, Horatio Nelson and King Harold. The nomination of Robin Hood was interesting, as the respondent said he was a national hero appropriate for these financially-challenging times seeing as he promoted fairness. A note of caution was offered by another respondent, who drew attention to Robin Hood's criminal tendencies.

Few suggested alternative ecclesiastical figures, but St Bede and St Aidan of Lindisfarne did have their supporters. Most of the new candidates were male, but some female figures were also proposed such as Boudica, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. A number espoused Joanna Lumley as a "quintessential English rose" who has successfully campaigned for animal rights and the Gurkhas – but has also portrayed less attractive facets of the English character. Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous for patron saint, anyone?

Two figures dominated our survey. The most popular nomination was Winston Churchill, celebrated for his wartime leadership and his very English qualities of doggedness, gentlemanliness and the sporting of a stiff upper lip. One supporter suggested we celebrate Churchill by getting drunk, smoking cigars and reciting his speeches.

The other key figure was William Shakespeare. As one respondent put it, "a nation has nothing if it does not have literature" and serendipitously, April 23 also marks the day Shakespeare died in 1616.

This nomination of Shakespeare was reflected in the overall popularity of cultural icons, who dominated the poll. But, although Churchill emerged as the clear winner, it seems St George still has a hold on our affections with the vast majority of people voting to keep him in the post of patron saint. As one person put it, "there's enough folk trying to tamper with traditions".

So if he is here to stay, the next question is how should we celebrate our national day?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given national stereotypes, there was a lot of talk of English ale and roast beef. People were also very keen on the idea of making such a day a bank holiday (these two preferences are most likely not unconnected!).

More sober pursuits included reciting Shakespeare's plays and

celebrating English folk music. Our favourite, though, was the person who nominated Michael Caine, and fondly envisaged a day spent "driving Mini Coopers around the major cities of England while at the same time looking for some nine carat gold".

While the idea of Englishness carries for some negative connotations, here the people had many positive things to say about our national

identity.

Englishness was evocative of artistry, community and endeavour, as well as a cheerful willingness to buck the system when required.

Our survey reflects a definite desire for more public events to be hosted to celebrate Englishness, be it through St George or even, as one suggested, celebrating another figure with a certain "X Factor" – Simon Cowell.

n More details of the survey can be found on the Academy for the Study of Britishness website at www2.hud.ac.uk/asb.

Andy Mycock is senior lecturer in politics and co-founder of the Academy for the Study of Britishness at Huddersfield University.