Little is known of his life, he was born in Wessex and educated at the Old Minster, Winchester, and he was chosen by Egbert, king of Wessex, 802-39, as his chaplain. He was entrusted with the education of Ethelwulf, who succeeded to the throne in 839.
Ethelwulf chose him in 852 as bishop of Winchester, the Wessex capital, during his ten years' episcopate, Wessex consolidated its position as the most important kingdom of England, and faced the first sporadic, but ominous attacks by Vikings in the south of England.
Swithun became famous for his charitable gifts and for his activity in building churches.
He died on 2nd July and asked to be buried in the cemetery; his grave, covered with a tomb-structure, was just outside the west door of the Old Minster.
After Ethelwold became bishop of Winchester, 964, and introduced monks to form the first monastic cathedral chapter in England, plans were made to translate Swithuns relics into the cathedral.
This was accomplished on 15th July 971. The occasion was marked by many cures claimed as miraculous, which accounted for Swithun's high reputation as a healer. There was also heavy rainfall, believed to be another manifestation of his power.
From this grew the legend, that if it rains on St Swithuns Day, 15th July, it will rain also for the following forty days.
Written and contributed by Phillip Lloyd.
