Friday, April 01, 2005
The Saint.
Saint Swithun (800AD to 862AD) was noted for his wisdom, piety and care of the poor but he became one of the most powerful Bishops in Saxon England. He was spiritual adviser to King Egbert and tutor to his son, Ethelwulf, who succeeded him.
Saint Swithun was made bishop of Winchester in 852AD. On his death in 862, at his wish, he was buried outside the old cathedral so that the rain and the feet of parishioners would fall on him. Ten years later his remains were moved inside the cathedral. When the new Norman cathedral was built his remains were moved there in 1093AD.