Moreover, he was commanded by the Holy Virgin to build a church in that very place.

The Bishop, we know, built a church here, founded a monastery, and himself became first abbot.

These events occurred early in the eighth century.
Egwin was a man of high connections and influence, and before long the new institution was handsomely and sufficiently endowed.

Ethelred, King of Mercia, his nephew Kenred, who succeeded him, and Offa, King of the East Saxons, being the chief donors.
There is another picturesque legend concerning Egwin, which is preserved in the coat-of-arms used by the monastery.

It appears that the prelate was falsely charged with certain offences, and to prove his innocence he made a journey to Rome; but before setting off, he fastened a chain and horselock to his ankle and threw the key into the river Avon.