AIMS OF THE SOCIETY
Copyright 2009 The Royal Society of St George - Greater Manchester Branch
- To foster the love of England and the Commonwealth by spreading the knowledge of English history, traditions and ideals.
- To keep fresh the memories of those in all walks of life who have served England and the Commonwealth in the past, in order to inspire leadership in the future.
- To combat all activities likely to undermine the strength of England and the Commonwealth.
- To further English interests everywhere, to ensure that St. George's Day is properly celebrated and to provide focal points throughout the world where English men and women may gather together.
- Before the American War of Independence, Societies of St. George had been founded in the then North American Colonies for the relief of British immigrants and to give them general assistance in the new country.
- The earliest branches of which there are many records are those of New York (1770), Philadelphia (1772) and Charleston (1773).
- Subsequently Branches were formed in all the great cities of the North American Continent and celebrations were always held on St. George's Day. At the time of the Civil War many Loyalists moved to Canada and founded similar societies there.
- A Society of St. George was founded in London in the early 19th century and established in 1894, gaining distinction in 1896 when Queen Victoria became the Patron. Since then the reigning Monarch has always been the Society's Patron. In 1912 King Edward VII authorised the prefix: 'Royal'. The Royal Charter of Incorporation was signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1963.
- In 1900 a branch was formed in Australia and today the Society has 67 branches world wide and a membership of over 10,000.
- Among the Society's more famous Presidents have been the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Windsor (when Prince of Wales), Field Marshal the Viscount Montgomery of Alamein and the Duke of Devonshire. The office of the President is currently held by Lt. Col. S W Colin Cole KCVO TD Garter Principal King of Arms.
- It was customary for the Archbishop of Canterbury to be a Vice President and for many years one of our most distinguished Vice President's was Sir Winston Churchill. The Duke of Westminster and Lord Forte have recently become Vice Presidents.
- Several of Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenants now accepted the appointment of Honorary Vice President.
- The Society is the premier patriotic Society of England. Much of the Society's work is concerned with charities, with the preservation of England's heritage and with encouraging people to take an interest in their country.
- The Greater Manchester branch of the society focuses on celebrating the important historical events such as Saint Georges Day, Trafalgar Day, Battle of Britain and Remembrance Day. We support the development of citizenship skills amongst young people and give charitable support to the Armed Forces.
The Royal Society of St George - Greater Manchester Branch
"The Premier Patriotic Society of England"
Incorporated by Royal Charter - Patron: Her Majesty The Queen
IN GREATER MANCHESTER
President: Warren J Smith Esq. JP The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
Incorporated by Royal Charter - Patron: Her Majesty The Queen
IN GREATER MANCHESTER
President: Warren J Smith Esq. JP The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
