In 1194 the English captured Limerick and in the same year St Mary's Cathedral was completed. In 1197 Limerick was given a charter - a document granting the townspeople certain rights. King John's castle was built in the years 1200-1210. Thomond Bridge was also first constructed during King John's reign. Thomond Bridge connected King John's Castle in the Englishtown, on King's Island, to Thomondgate on the Clare side of the Shannon river.