Bangor
OS Grid Ref:-SH 575715
One of the smallest cities in the UK, Bangor lies on the Menai Strait, nine miles north-east of Caernarfon. The city is linked to Anglesey by the Menai Suspension Bridge designed by Thomas Telford.
Bangor Cathedral, originally built in the early 12th century, (The first stone was placed by Bishop David) between ll20 and ll39. it was damaged in 1402 by Owain Glyndwr, when making his advance north and lay in ruins until 1496 when repair work commenced on the building. The cathedral was restored in 1866. The building has undergone severe damage during the course of its long history and has been severely burnt on several occasions, both during local conflicts between the Princes of Gwynedd and by them against Edward I of England.
A 600 metre long Victorian pier, built in 1895 and refurbished in the 1990's extends into the Menai Strait towards Anglessey. The Pier, which is the second longest in Wales, was saved from dereliction when Bangor Council purchased it for a 1p and restored it to its Victorian glory with the help of grant aid. A selection of shops, a cafe, children's play area and amusements now stand on the pier.
Bangor is perhaps most famous for its university, Bangor College was established in 1883, but at the time, in common with Aberystwyth and Cardiff, was not allowed to confer degrees. All three colleges were incorporated as the University of Wales in 1893.
The Bangor Museum and Art Gallery, It is the only general Museum in Gwynedd, with exhibits covering the city's history from prehistoric times to the modern age.The Art Gallery features exhibitions from some of the most prominent of Welsh artists, such as Rob Piercy, William Selwyn and Huw Gareth Jones (Open all year Tues - Fri 12.30am - 4.30pm)