Love is in the fresh Herefordshire air as Valentine's Day is celebrated with stays in romantic boltholes and delicious meals in fine restaurants, bistros and hostelries.  But what do you know about the Saint behind the commercial frenzy that is the modern Valentine's Day? The exact identity of St Valentine is shrouded in mystery, with several associated legends around love, compassion, and sacrifice mentioning this mysterious historical figure. However the most widely accepted version of his identity and life is that he was a Roman priest who lived in the 3rdC AD. Under Emperor Claudius II, marriages were banned for young men, as the emperor believed single soldiers fought better than married ones. Valentine defied this order, secretly marrying couples, believing in the sanctity of love and marriage. For his actions, Valentine was arrested and eventually executed, becoming a martyr for love. Who knew that? Raise a glass to courage and romance this Valentine's weekend!