St. Swithin was a beloved 9th-century bishop of Winchester who requested that he be buried in the churchyard — some say to be closer to the common people, whom he loved; some say so that he could enjoy God’s gift of rain for all eternity. When he died in 862, his request was honored. About 100 years later, however, it was deemed unseemly that so holy a man should rest in a common grave.

On July 15, the saint’s feast day, an attempt was made to enshrine his remains in his church. However, legend has it that St. Swithin caused torrential rains to fall for 40 days — until the intended transfer was abandoned. This is the source of several weather proverbs regarding rain on July 15.

St. Swithin’s Day - if thou dost rain for forty days it will remain.