Valentine’s Day is a celebration steeped in history and mystery, blending both Christian and ancient Roman traditions into the holiday we know today. While the details remain debated, its roots offer fascinating insights into love, devotion, and tradition.
The Legends of Saint Valentine
The identity of Saint Valentine remains ambiguous, with multiple legends associated with this mysterious figure. Here are two of the leading theories on who the man behind the legend really is:
- The Rebel Priest: One popular theory suggests that Valentine was a priest in 3rd-century Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decreed that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, leading him to outlaw marriage for young men. Defying this decree, Valentine secretly officiated weddings for lovers. When discovered, Claudius sentenced him to death.
(Source: History.com, “History of Valentine’s Day“)
- The Bishop of Terni: Another account identifies Valentine as a bishop from Terni, executed for aiding persecuted Christians escape brutal Roman prisons. According to legend, before his death, Valentine sent a heartfelt letter to a girl he loved, signing it “From your Valentine”—an expression that endures today.
(Source: History.com, “Who Was The Real St. Valentine?“)
The First Valentine and Medieval Romance
The oldest known valentine in existence is a poignant poem penned by Charles, Duke of Orléans, in 1415. Imprisoned in the Tower of London after his capture during the Battle of Agincourt, Charles wrote the note to his wife. This manuscript is now housed in the British Library, preserving the intimate gesture of love across centuries.
(Source: British Library, “Love Letters and Valentines“)
The Rise of Valentine’s Day Cards
The tradition of sending valentines has deep roots, flourishing significantly by the early 19th century:
- By the 1820s, over 200,000 valentines circulated annually within London.
- The introduction of the penny postal service in the 1840s revolutionised the exchange of cards, making them more accessible and popular across all social classes. By the 1860s, the number of valentines exchanged had doubled again.
- With advances in printing technology during the 1900s, printed cards replaced handwritten notes, making it easier to express emotions in an era where verbal declarations of love were often discouraged.
(Source: Victoria and Albert Museum, “A Brief History of Valentine’s Day Cards“)

Modern Valentine’s Traditions
Today, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with heartfelt gestures: sending cards, gifting flowers and chocolates, arranging candlelit dinners, or planning romantic getaways. The day has also become one of the most popular times for marriage proposals, with countless couples making memories that last a lifetime.
Romantic Escapes for Valentine’s Day

If you’re looking for the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day—or perhaps planning to pop the question—our curated selection of Ultimate Luxury Hotels and Romantic Valentine’s Breaks promises to create unforgettable moments. From tranquil countryside escapes to opulent castle stays, we have something to suit every couple.