An early evening view of the Cathedral. A monastic community was founded here by Saint David, Abbot of Menevia, who died in 589. n 1081, William the Conqueror visited St Davids to pray, and thus recognised it as a holy and respected place. In 1115, with the area under Norman control, King Henry I of England appointed Bishop Bernard as Bishop of St Davids. He began to improve life within the community, and commenced construction of a new Cathedral. Henry II of England’s visit in 1171 saw the following of David increase – and the need for a larger Cathedral. The present Cathedral was begun in 1181, and completed not long after. Problems beset the new building and the community in its infancy; the collapse of the new tower in 1220, and earthquake damage in 1247/48.
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