A monastery was founded before 904. The bishops of Winchester owned the manor, and obtained the first charter for their "men of Taunton" from King Edward in 904, freeing them from all royal and county tribute. At some time before the Domesday Survey Taunton had become a borough with very considerable privileges, and a population of around 1,500 and 64 burgesses, governed by a portreeve appointed by the bishops. Somerton took over from Ilchester as the county town in the late 13th century, but it declined in importance and the function of county town moved to Taunton about 1366. Between 1209 and 1311 the manor of Taunton, owned by the Bishop of Winchester, expanded two-and-a-half times. The parishes of Staplegrove, Wilton and Taunton itself were part of Taunton Deane hundred.