The site on which this cathedral stands has been devoted from very ancient times to religious uses. It is associated with the name of St. Ninian, who is reported to have founded a church here in the beginning of the fifth century. This site was also the scene of the labours of St. Kentigern, or Mungo, who revived religion in the locality in the sixth century, and is said to have established an episcopal see. Here the meeting took place between him and St. Columba, on which occasion, as a sign of friendship, they exchanged their pastoral staves. The place was further sanctified by becoming the last resting-place of St. Mungo’s remains. During the political changes which occurred in Strathclyde in the following centuries Christianity seems to have been almost obliterated. But in the twelfth century the revival of religion begun by Queen Margaret had penetrated into this region, and was fostered by her son David, Prince of Cumbria. In 1115 he restored the see of Glasgow, and appointed his tutor John (called Achaius) to the bishopric. In order to provide it with suitable means, an inquisition was made, in 1120, concerning the lands which had formerly belonged to the church of Glasgow. In 1124, John, the first of the new line of bishops, began to replace the ancient church which had previously existed with a new structure, which was doubtless raised on the site of the old one. This church was consecrated in 1136, in presence of the king and his retinue. Bishop Joceline, previously abbot of Melrose, was consecrated in 1175. Under him, and by his influence, the burgh received many privileges, and advanced in prosperity. Between 1189 and 1192 he was engaged in restoring or adding to the building. The original church of Bishop John, “built, perhaps, chiefly of wood,” had been recently destroyed by fire. Through the exertions of Bishop Joceline a society was founded to collect funds for its restoration, and the work was sufficiently advanced for consecration on 6th July 1197.[60] It was generally believed, at one time, that the existing choir and lower church were erected by Bishop Joceline; but it has been shown by Mr. John Honeyman, architect, in various papers on the subject, published at various times during the last forty years, that only a small part of the structure which now exists may possibly be of the time of that bishop.