The English queen Matilda of Scotland received advice and help in the foundation from Anselm of Canterbury, the archbishop of Canterbury. The house was founded with clergy from St Botolph's Priory in Colchester,Ashdown-Hill, John (2009) Mediaeval Colchester's Lost Landmarks. Published by The Breedon Books Publishing Company Limited. () and the first prior was Norman, who was the queen's confessor. By 1115 the entire soke, or liberty of East Smithfield (including the ward of Portsoken) was given by the Knighten Guilde to the church of Holy Trinity within Aldgate. The prior of the abbey was then to sit as an ex officio Alderman of London.Allen, Thomas The History and Antiquities of London, Westminster, Southwark, and parts adjacent pp.709–712 (George Virtue, 1839)
