The episcopal see of Exeter was created in the 11th century. In 1027, Lyfing became Bishop of Crediton and shortly after became bishop of St. Germans. He united the two sees, whose territory covered Devon and Cornwall respectively, and chose the cathedral at Crediton for his seat.
In 1050 Lyfing's successor, Bishop Leofric, moved the seat of the united see from Crediton to Exeter, thus making the abbey church of St. Peter's monastery Exeter Cathedral and making himself the first Bishop of Exeter. In 1877, the Diocese of Exeter was redivided along the Devon-Cornwall border by Bishop Henry Phillpotts, creating the Diocese of Truro.
