In god-fearing medieval times, Bishops were powerful and wealthy powerbrokers, second only to the King in status. Much of this wealth translated into lavish fortified palaces, such as the one located adjacent to St Davids Cathedral, with no expense spared in creating a grand residence fit for a major figure of both Church and State.

St Davids is named after the patron saint of Wales, who founded a monastery in the late 6th century, and whose remains are buried there. The City status of St Davids, which with a population of just over 1600 is the smallest city in Britain, was restored by The Queen in 1995.