vane of the tower falling through the roof.

At the Reformation the shrine was destroyed, as is recorded in the
commissioners' letter, dated September 21, 1538:--

"About three o'clock this Saturday morning, we made an end of the
shrine here at Winchester. There was no gold, nor ring, nor true
stone about it, but all great counterfeits; but the silver alone
will amount to 2000 marks."

The popular tradition regarding St. Swithun's Day, July 15, is to the
effect that, as it rains or is fair on this day, the ensuing forty days
will be either wet or dry.

"St. Swithun's Day, if thou dost rain,
For forty days it will remain:
St. Swithun's Day, if thou be fair,
For forty days 't will rain nae mair."

The tradition is said to be due to the saintly request being
disregarded, with the result that, when his remains were about to be
translated, a heavy rain burst forth, and continued without ceasing for
the forty succeeding days. This was interpreted as a divine warning, so
that, instead of disturbing the saintly bones, a chapel was erected over
them. As a matter of fact, Professor Earle and other authorities assure
us that the legend is fictitious, and that the translation was attended
by the utmost éclat and success, and blessed with fine weather.

[Illustration: WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL FROM THE DEANERY GARDENS]