Saint Sidwell

Sidwell (Latin: Sativola) was a virgin saint from the English county of Devon, possibly of British origin. Her historical existence is not well established.

Cult and iconography

The cultus of Sidwell has been active at Exeter from early times. Pilgrims were visiting her shrine by 1000, and their activity is mentioned both by John Leland and William Worcestre. The Catalogus Sanctorum Pausantium in Anglia describes her as a native of Exeter who was beheaded by reapers, who were incited so to do by her stepmother. This legend bears a striking similarity to that of both Saint Urith and Saint Juthwara, her supposed sister. She is said to have been buried outside the city, where the sick could be healed at her grave. The Church of St Sidwell, located just outside the site of Exeter's east gate, is still extant, though it was largely rebuilt after being bombed during the Second World War. The site also once had a well at which cures are believed to have been effected. One of the main streets in Exeter is Sidwell Street.