Today is Devon Day, and while we like to celebrate Devon every day, today is the official day for us to shout about the UK’s best county!
Devon Day is celebrated on 4th June every year because that is St Petrock’s Day – St Petrock is the patron saint of Devon and the person who the Devon flag is dedicated to. He was thought to have been born in Wales, but he rose to prominence ministering to the people of Devon where you can find a number of references to him. You can find dedications to him within the old Roman walls in Exeter, as well as at Petrockstowe and Newton St Petrock which are in the Torridge area.
He is most associated with the virtue of humility and is said to have travelled across the world, including to Rome, Jerusalem and India, where it is thought he tamed a wolf. Depictions of him often see him with a pet, usually a stag, so it is no wonder that Devon is full of animal lovers!
The Devon flag is dedicated to St Petrock and has been a main focus of Devon Day since 2003 when the current design was published following a competition run by the BBC. It has been used by Devon County Council since 2006.
We spend all our time celebrating how wonderful Devon is, so we want to know what you love most about Devon, is it the coastline? The National Parks? The diverse activities? Or perhaps you have fond memories of family holidays there. Let us know your favourite things about Devon and help us celebrate Devon Day in style.