Well, it’s the 15th July and it is St. Swithin's Day. Let’s hope we don't get any rain!!

St. Swithin was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester and was born in the kingdom of Wessex and educated in Winchester.  He was famous for his charitable gifts and building churches.

The tradition of watching the weather is based on a legend saying that as he lay on his deathbed, he wished to be buried outdoors where he could be rained on.  This was allowed for 9 years, and then the Monks tried to remove his remains to a shrine inside the Cathedral on 15th July 971.  They say there was a heavy rain storm either during the ceremony or on its anniversary.  This led to the old wives tale of rain for the next 40 days or a fine 15th July will be 40 days of good weather.  The  legend is a myth and it is said by the Met Office that on 55 occasions when tested, it has been wet on the 15th and we didn't get 40 days of rain.  It does appear that this is the highlight of the day though and is how people celebrate it !!

OK, so have some fun weather watching today and see what happens. I know I hope it’s dry and sunny!!

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