The Legend of Saint Swithun’s Rain
According to medieval legend, on July 15, 971, the remains of Saint Swithun were moved from his humble outdoor grave into the newly built shrine inside Winchester Cathedral. The translation of his relics was said to have gone against the saint’s wishes, as Swithun had supposedly requested to be buried outside where ordinary people could walk over his grave and the rain could fall upon him.
The legend claims that after his reburial, a powerful storm struck England, bringing rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Medieval storytellers interpreted the storm as a sign that Swithun was displeased with being moved from his simple resting place. Over time, the tale gave rise to the famous English weather saying: “St Swithun’s Day if thou dost rain, for forty days it will remain.”
Although historians debate the accuracy of the legend, Saint Swithun became one of England’s most beloved medieval saints. His feast day and the stories surrounding his supposed control over the weather remained part of English folklore for centuries.
