St Peter’s Anglican Church

St Swithun - July 15

Bishop of Winchester

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 nae mare

Not a great deal is known about the life of Swithun. He was born in the kingdom of Wessex and educated at its capital, Winchester. King Egbert of Wessex appointed Swithun as his chaplain, and part of his responsibilities included the education of the king’s son, Ethelwulf. The Viking attacks on Britain were mounting in intensity during the early years of the ninth century, and the kingdom was frequently at war.

When King Ethelwulf succeeded to the throne of Wessex in 839, he consolidated the importance of Wessex as the major kingdom in England. He was, however, more interested in religion than military life. In 852 he chose Swithun as bishop of Winchester. In that position Swithun became famous for his acts of charity and for his encouragement of the building of churches. He played an important role as an adviser of the king, who relied heavily on him.
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