It is believed that the first Benedictine church on this site was built during the reign of King Sæberht of Essex, in the VII century. Around 960, she has been greatly expanded with the support of the holy Dunstan King Edgar. Then it was the Thorney Island at the confluence of the River Thames at Tyburn; later, when the influence of the abbey has increased significantly, the area became known as Westminster, from the English. West Minster - Western Church (the Eastern Church was St. Paul's Cathedral). Edward the Confessor, settling in the nearby Palace of Westminster, decided to rebuild the church. Work began in 1042. December 28, 1065, a few days before his death, the church was consecrated, although construction was completed only in 1090.