Saint Swithun

St. Swithun (or Swithin) is best known for the popular British proverb that if it rains on St. Swithun's day, 15 July, it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights. This story originates from some monks trying to move his remains 9 years after his death. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights and so the tale was born.

St. Swithun was bishop of Winchester in 852. Therefore, there are strong links with churches throughout the south of England, especially in Hampshire. Swithun's most well known miracle was when he restored a basket of eggs on a bridge that workmen had maliciously broken.

He died on 2 July 862.