Swithun

Swithun (also spelled Swithin) was an Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester, England, and is venerated as a saint. He was born in the Kingdom of Wessex and died in 863 AD.

While little is definitively known about Swithun's life, hagiographical accounts describe him as a pious and humble advisor to King Egbert and tutor to his son, Æthelwulf. He is credited with overseeing the construction of churches and advocating for the poor.

After his death, Swithun was buried, according to his wishes, in the churchyard of Winchester Cathedral, outside, where the rain could fall upon his grave. This request for a humble burial contrasts sharply with the later story that developed about him.

Approximately a century after his death, the monks of Winchester decided to move his relics inside the cathedral. According to legend, this intended translation was met with torrential rain for forty days, interpreted as a sign of Swithun's displeasure at the disruption of his chosen resting place. This legend gave rise to the popular belief that if it rains on St. Swithun's Day (July 15th), it will rain for the next forty days. Conversely, if it is fair, the forty days following will be dry. While the meteorological basis for this belief is negligible, it remains a well-known piece of English folklore.

Swithun is the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral, as well as of those recovering from shipwreck. His feast day is celebrated on July 15th. His name is relatively uncommon as a given name.