 Bede records that Cedd and Cynibil consecrated the site, and that Cynibil built it of wood.Cedd ruled the monastery as the first abbot until his death, combining this position with that of missionary bishop to the East Saxons.In 664, shortly after the Synod of Whitby, in which he was a key participant, St. Cedd died of the plague at Læstingau.