Bangor, Gwynedd
The Celtic saint Deiniol founded a monastic establishment on the site of Bangor Cathedral in the early 6th century AD. The name itself is an old Welsh word for a wattled enclosure, such as the one that originally surrounded the cathedral site. This small settlement remained quiet until the start of the 18th century when trade began to flow through the area. In 973, King Edgar of England arrived with an army to resolve a dispute between Iago and Hywel over the Kingdom of Gwynedd. He confirmed liberties and endowments of the Bishop of Bangor, granting land and gifts to assert overall control. From 1284 until the 15th century, Bangor bishops received charters permitting them to hold fairs and govern the settlement. Later charters also confirmed them as Lord of the Manor. The present cathedral building dates from the twelfth century but has been extensively modified throughout the centuries. While not the oldest or biggest church, the bishopric of Bangor remains one of the oldest in the UK.
Bangor remained a small settlement until the mail coach route was diverted to pass through it in 1718. A sub-postmaster was appointed based in Bangor to manage this new traffic on its way to the alternative Porthaethwy ferry. Being on the mail coach route considerably increased the trade passing through Bangor and encouraged its growth. Development was further spurred by slate mining at nearby Bethesda, beginning in the 1770s by Richard Pennant. This became one of the largest slate quarries in the world. Thomas Telford improved the route between London and Holyhead by building the A5 road which runs through the centre of the city. He also designed the Menai Suspension Bridge which was completed in 1826. Bangor railway station opened in 1848 to connect the town to wider networks. Shipbuilding grew as another industry while tourism mainly came from Liverpool via steamboat. Port Penrhyn served as an important port in the 19th century exporting slates produced at the Penrhyn Quarry. The Britannia and Menai Suspension bridges now connect the city to the Isle of Anglesey.
In 2021, Owen Hurcum was unanimously elected as mayor making history as the youngest-ever mayor in Wales at 22 years old. He was also the first ever non-binary mayor of any UK city. In 2012, Bangor became the first city in the UK to impose a night-time curfew on under-16s throughout its centre. The six-month trial was brought in by Gwynedd Council and North Wales police but opposed by civil rights groups. The community had a population of 15,060 at the 2021 census with the built up area having 16,990 residents. Bangor is ethnically diverse with 85% of the population identifying as White British followed by 8% Asian or Arab. Mixed Race makes up 3%, Black 2%, and other ethnicities 2%. This means the city has one of the highest ethnicity populations in Wales for its population of over 15,000. Christianity was followed by 8,816 residents while Islam followed by 892 residents. Six thousand five hundred twenty-six residents did not identify with any religion or identified with other religions.
Garth Pier opened in 1893 as a promenade pier for the amusement of holiday-makers who could stroll among the pinnacle-roofed kiosks. It stands at 470 meters making it the second longest pier in Wales and the ninth longest in the British Isles. In 1914, the pier was struck by a vessel that had broken free of its moorings causing severe damage. The damaged section was repaired temporarily by the Royal Engineers but permanent repairs were found to be more costly than expected. The pier remained open until 1974 when it was nearly condemned as being in poor condition. It was sold for a nominal price to Arfon Borough Council who proposed to demolish it. The County Council ensured it survived by obtaining Grade II Listed building status for it. Restoration work took place between 1982 and 1988 before the pier re-opened to the public on the 7th of May 1988. Bangor Town Hall now houses Storiel which is the new name for the Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery. A new arts centre complex called Pontio replaced Theatr Gwynedd and opened in November 2015 after delays.
The University College of North Wales founded in 1884 is now known as Bangor University while Coleg Menai also operates within the city. Parts of the BBC evacuated to Bangor during World War II when the Blitz was at its worst. The BBC continue to maintain facilities in the city including a small broadcasting centre producing output for BBC Radio Cymru. The studios serve as the main North West Wales newsroom for television, radio and online services. The BBC's Light Entertainment Department moved to Bangor during World War II where many classic programmes like It's That Man Again came from the city. In 1967, The Beatles stayed in Dyfrdwy hall for their first encounter with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. They learned of the death of their manager Brian Epstein during this visit. On the 24th of February 2010, BBC Radio 1 announced Bangor as the location for Radio 1's Big Weekend concert festival. International acts such as Rihanna, MGMT, Kesha and Alicia Keys played alongside homegrown British acts.
Bangor City F.C. currently competes in the Cymru North which is the second tier of Welsh football. The club won the Welsh Premier League on three occasions in 1994, 1995, and 2011. They were continuous members of the league from its inception until 2018. Before 1992, they were members of the English football pyramid peaking with the Northern Premier League title in 1982. Fans formed a breakaway club called Bangor 1876 F.C. in the summer of 2019 after the original club faced difficulties. Duffy born in 1984 became the first Welsh woman to achieve No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart since 1983. Richard Deacon born in 1949 was an abstract sculptor who won the Turner Prize. Sian Lloyd born in 1968 works as a Welsh TV news presenter for BBC News. Wayne Hennessey born in 1987 has over 280 club caps and 108 for Wales. Sasha born in 1969 is a DJ and record producer known internationally.
Common questions
When was Bangor Cathedral founded by Deiniol?
The Celtic saint Deiniol founded a monastic establishment on the site of Bangor Cathedral in the early 6th century AD. The name itself is an old Welsh word for a wattled enclosure, such as the one that originally surrounded the cathedral site.
What year did King Edgar arrive to resolve disputes in Bangor?
King Edgar of England arrived with an army to resolve a dispute between Iago and Hywel over the Kingdom of Gwynedd in 973. He confirmed liberties and endowments of the Bishop of Bangor, granting land and gifts to assert overall control.
Who became the youngest mayor of Wales in 2021?
Owen Hurcum was unanimously elected as mayor making history as the youngest-ever mayor in Wales at 22 years old. He was also the first ever non-binary mayor of any UK city.
When did Garth Pier reopen after restoration work?
Restoration work took place between 1982 and 1988 before the pier re-opened to the public on the 7th of May 1988. It stands at 470 meters making it the second longest pier in Wales and the ninth longest in the British Isles.
Which Beatles event occurred in Bangor during World War II?
In 1967, The Beatles stayed in Dyfrdwy hall for their first encounter with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. They learned of the death of their manager Brian Epstein during this visit.