Page:Lisbon and Cintra, Inchbold, 1907.djvu/53

Rh first Spanish King of Portugal who removed the royal residence from it to the famous Paço do Terreiro. It was D. João I, the Grand Master of Aviz, who made St George its patron saint, and when it is remembered that he married an English princess, Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt, the question of the name, Castello of S. Jorge is easily solved. The present walls enclose quite a small and very poor population, including the quarters of the soldiers, dwelling houses of their family, a military prison, and the Church of Santa Cruz in which is kept the image of St George which has figured in the annual procession of Corpus Christi from its earliest days.

This festa of Corpo de Deus, as held once in Lisbon, had the reputation of being the most brilliant of the kind in the whole Catholic Church. It is still held to-day, but with small ostentation compared with former celebrations. Preparations were made days in advance by decorating the principal streets with flags, canopies and hangings, all richly decorated with gold fringe and braid. Lanterns innumerable slung across the streets were lighted at night, drawing crowds to see the effect. The windows and verandahs would be filled with donas and senhoras of Lisbon society in gay attire making a brave show of glittering jewels and ear-rings. All the regiments of Lisbon used to march through the streets in gala uniform, with bands playing gaily, and draw up near the Church of S. Domingo by the Rocio. The procession began at ten and lasted for three hours, a time giving some idea of the number of people taking part in it. All the religious orders in their respective robes were embodied in it, the ordinary citizens wore red cloaks, and all carried wax tapers about five feet in height.

The image of S. Jorge, in armour, lance in hand, and helmet garnished with splendid plumes and jewels, was 31