St Swithun

miniature umbrellas
© F H Powell 2009

St Swithun (or Swithin) was Bishop of Winchester and died on 2nd July 862. St Swithun’s day is 15th July and it is said that if it rains on St Swithun’s day it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Legend has it that he was buried, at his own request, outside of the cathedral and when his body was to be exhumed and moved indoors 109 years later, it was delayed by 40 days of rain. It is said that following this move various miracles were observed. He was canonised by popular acclaim.

Unfortunately, testing of the UK’s meteorological historical weather records does not support the legend. But wherever you are this 15th July it’s as well to remember:

“St. Swithin’s day if thou dost rain
For forty days it will remain
St. Swithin’s day if thou be fair
For forty days ’twill rain no mair.”

… just to be on the safe side!