A Saxon church was built on this spot in 648 and was soon used by a Benedictine monastery which came to be named the Priory of St. Swithun.  The present church dates from 1079, and St. Swithun's remains were moved to the new church in 1093.  Winchester Cathedral was at the heart of a powerful diocese and has the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe.  Jane Austin is buried here.