Happy St Swithun's Day

The shrine of St Swithun in Winchester Cathedral (Wikipedia)

Today, 15 July, is St Swithun (or Swithin's Day). The day is chiefly remembered for this rhyme:

St. Swithun’s day if thou dost rain, 

For forty days it will remain, 

St. Swithun’s day if thou be fair, 

For forty days ’twill rain nae mair. 

So if you were hoping for some rain for your garden or to avoid a hosepipe ban, tough luck.

Saint Swithun was a bishop in Saxon times. He was born in 800 AD in Wessex. He was famous for giving gifts to others and for building churches. He is also known for building a stone bridge over the River Itchen in Winchester, to help the poor cross the river to sell their wares in the city. Linked to this is the only known miracle during his lifetime. 

A woman was crossing a bridge when she dropped her basket of eggs, breaking them all. Her crying was said to be heard by St Swithun who immediately repaired the eggs.

He was made Bishop of Winchester in 852 AD. 

Saint Swithun died on 2 July 862. Legend has it that when he lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried just outside of the Old Minster where he would be walked on and rained on. 

Nine years later, on25 July 871, his body was moved to a shrine inside the cathedral. According to legend, there was a heavy rainstorm on this night which lasted for 40 days and 40 nights. People believe the storms indicated Saint Swithin’s annoyance at being moved.