Between 863 and 971, the influence of Æthelwold led to a focus on the miracles that occurred after St Swithun's death, rather than his life.
Some documents about Swithun's life were found in Winchester, which might have been the source for the story about Swithun building a bridge, recorded in the 12th century.
For a modern interpretation of Æthelwold and the story of Swithun, check out Charlie Iredale's work in Robertson Davies's The Cunning Man.
St Swithun's legend became popular about a hundred years after his death, thanks to Bishop Æthelwold of Winchester.
On July 15, 971, Æthelwold moved St Swithun's body from a simple grave outside the church to a prominent place inside. This indicates the growing popularity of St Swithun's cult and Æthelwold's support for monastic reform.
St Swithun was the bishop of Winchester from 852 until his death on July 2, 863. Not much is known about him, except that he pledged obedience to Ceolnoth, the archbishop of Canterbury, and he confirmed the charters of the kings of Wessex.
A credible charter from King Æthelwulf in 854 granted Swithun and his successors an estate, provided they hosted distinguished foreign visitors.
A 12th-century biography mentions that Swithun built a stone bridge at the East Gate of Winchester and constructed and repaired many churches.
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