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Date unknown; feast day kept on July 31 in Roscarrock and August 2 in Exeter. Saint Sidwell, probably of British rather than Anglo- Saxon lineage, has been revered at Exeter from time immemorial. By AD 1000, pilgrims gathered at her shrine. William Worcestre and Leland mention her. The late medieval catalogue of English saints, called the "Catalogus sanctorum pausantium in Anglia," has this entry:

Born at Exeter, she was killed by her stepmother inciting the reapers to behead her. She was buried outside the city, where by her merits God heals the sick.

This story of the jealous stepmother is also included in the legend of Saint Juthwara (f.d. July 1), who is supposed to be Sidwell's sister. There is reason to believe that this legend is entirely mythical; although Sidwell is a real saint.

Sidwell's Church is just outside the east gate of Exeter. Near it there used to be a holy well, where presumably the cures took place. There is a dedication to her in Laneast, Cornwall, with her sister Saint Wulvella, where there was also a holy well (Benedictines, Farmer).

In art, Saint Sidwell is a maiden carrying a scythe by a well. She might also be shown carrying her head (Roeder). The emblem of a "scythe" and a "well," as well as the story, may derive from her name (Farmer). Sidwell is venerated in Exeter, England (Roeder).


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