The see of Minevia, or St. David’s, was founded in the sixth century. It has always included the whole of Pembrokeshire, and is by far the most important of the four Welsh sees--St. David’s, St. Asaph, Bangor, and Llandaff. The impressively wild and open scenery which surrounds St. David’s gives it also a natural advantage irrespective of its greater size. But the site of the cathedral cannot be regarded as satisfactory, being close to the little river Alan, on almost marshy ground. Its drainage has consequently always been a source of trouble and expense. In questioning the founder’s choice of site it must always be clearly remembered that the buildings were originally monastic, and that seclusion, combined with a good natural water supply, were regarded by the old monastic builders as primary essentials. Once selected by St. David, however, this site has always been regarded with veneration by those who in later times added to the original foundation. The existing church is not less than the fourth on this site. The monastic church was destroyed by fire in 645 and the second in 1088, and the third was that visited by Henry II. in 1171 and 1172 (_vide_ Giraldus). The first view of the church generally seen is that from the south-east and from almost on a level with the top of the central tower. The _tout ensemble_ is certainly remarkable, and few thoughtful visitors fail to find a pigeon-hole in their memory for this first impression, which is invariably conjured up by the name “St. David’s.” Calixtus II. (Pope 1119-1134) canonised St. David in 1131,[1] and the church was solemnly dedicated to him in conjunction with St. Andrew, to whom the previous church had been dedicated. Of this primitive British church, which St. David himself founded long before the coming of St. Augustine, nothing is now visible. For in 1180 Peter de Leiâ, the third Norman bishop (1176-1198), replanned the whole building. Indeed, in consideration of the works being in progress (1189), the Cardinal Legate excused the bishop, Giraldus, and certain others from joining in the Crusade, provided that they contributed towards the expenses of those going and towards the completion of St. David’s Cathedral. It is to this Bishop de Leiâ that St. David’s, even as we see it now, mainly owes its grandeur.