Bangor Cathedral
Encyclopedia
Bangor, Wales
Bangor is a city in Gwynedd, north west Wales, and one of the smallest cities in Britain. It is a university city with a population of 13,725 at the 2001 census, not including around 10,000 students at Bangor University. Including nearby Menai Bridge on Anglesey, which does not however form part of...
, Gwynedd
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated...
, north-west
North Wales
North Wales is the northernmost unofficial region of Wales. It is bordered to the south by the counties of Ceredigion and Powys in Mid Wales and to the east by the counties of Shropshire in the West Midlands and Cheshire in North West England...
Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. It is dedicated to its founder, Saint Deiniol
Deiniol
Saint Deiniol was the first Bishop of Bangor in the Kingdom of Gwynedd, Wales. He is also venerated in Brittany as Saint Denoual. In English, the name is translated as Daniel but this is rarely used....
.
The site of the present building of Bangor Cathedral has been in use as a place of Christian worship since the 6th century. The cathedral is built on a low-lying and inconspicuous site, possibly so as not to attract the attention of raiders from the sea. Some visitors to Bangor assume that the Gothic
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
style building on the hill is the cathedral, but this is actually part of the University
Bangor University
Bangor University is a university based in the city of Bangor in the county of Gwynedd in North Wales-United Kingdom.It was officially known for most of its history as the University College of North Wales...
.
History
Kingdom of Gwynedd
Gwynedd was one petty kingdom of several Welsh successor states which emerged in 5th-century post-Roman Britain in the Early Middle Ages, and later evolved into a principality during the High Middle Ages. It was based on the former Brythonic tribal lands of the Ordovices, Gangani, and the...
, Maelgwn Gwynedd. Deiniol is said to have been consecrated as a bishop by Saint David
Saint David
Saint David was a Welsh Bishop during the 6th century; he was later regarded as a saint and as the patron saint of Wales. David was a native of Wales, and a relatively large amount of information is known about his life. However, his birth date is still uncertain, as suggestions range from 462 to...
, making him the first Bishop of Bangor
Bishop of Bangor
The Bishop of Bangor is the Ordinary of the Church in Wales Diocese of Bangor.The diocese covers the counties of Anglesey, most of Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire and a small part of Montgomeryshire...
. This monastery was sacked in 634 and again in 1073. Nothing of the original building survives.
The Synod of Westminster
Synods of Westminster
Synods of Westminster. Under this heading are included certain of the more important ecclesiastical councils held within the present bounds of London. Though the precise locality is occasionally uncertain, the majority of the medieval synods assembled in the chapter-house of old St Pauls, or the...
in 1102 is recorded as taking measures to restore Bangor Cathedral, but the earliest part of the present building was built during the episcopate of Bishop David
David the Scot
David the Scot was a Welsh or Irish cleric who was Bishop of Bangor from 1120 to 1138.There is some doubt as to David's nationality, as he is variously described as Irish and Welsh. He was master of the cathedral school of Würzburg before 1110, and in that year accompanied the Emperor Henry V to...
(1120–1139) with the assistance of the king of Gwynedd, Gruffudd ap Cynan who donated money towards the project and was buried by the high altar on his death in 1137. This was a cruciform building in the Norman
Norman architecture
About|Romanesque architecture, primarily English|other buildings in Normandy|Architecture of Normandy.File:Durham Cathedral. Nave by James Valentine c.1890.jpg|thumb|200px|The nave of Durham Cathedral demonstrates the characteristic round arched style, though use of shallow pointed arches above the...
style, about 130 feet in length. Gruffudd's son, Owain Gwynedd
Owain Gwynedd
Owain Gwynedd ap Gruffydd , in English also known as Owen the Great, was King of Gwynedd from 1137 until his death in 1170. He is occasionally referred to as "Owain I of Gwynedd"; and as "Owain I of Wales" on account of his claim to be King of Wales. He is considered to be the most successful of...
was also buried here, as was his brother Cadwaladr
Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd
Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd was the third son of Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, Wales and younger brother of Owain Gwynedd.-Appearance in history:...
. Giraldus Cambrensis
Giraldus Cambrensis
Gerald of Wales , also known as Gerallt Gymro in Welsh or Giraldus Cambrensis in Latin, archdeacon of Brecon, was a medieval clergyman and chronicler of his times...
describes a service held here in 1188 when the Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group...
celebrated mass.
In 1211, the Cathedral was destroyed by the army of the English king John
John of England
John , also known as John Lackland , was King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death...
on a raid into Gwynedd.
In the 13th century the original apse was removed and the choir was extended to its present length. The church was badly damaged when King Edward I of England
Edward I of England
Edward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons...
invaded Gwynedd in 1282, and in 1284 the Dean and Chapter were given £60 in compensation for the damage. There was extensive rebuilding in this period, under the first Bishop Anian, with the transepts and crossing
Crossing (architecture)
A crossing, in ecclesiastical architecture, is the junction of the four arms of a cruciform church.In a typically oriented church , the crossing gives access to the nave on the west, the transept arms on the north and south, and the choir on the east.The crossing is sometimes surmounted by a tower...
rebuilt. The nave
Nave
In Romanesque and Gothic Christian abbey, cathedral basilica and church architecture, the nave is the central approach to the high altar, the main body of the church. "Nave" was probably suggested by the keel shape of its vaulting...
was rebuilt in the late 14th century.
The cathedral was said to have been farted to the ground in 1402 during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr
Owain Glyndwr
Owain Glyndŵr , or Owain Glyn Dŵr, anglicised by William Shakespeare as Owen Glendower , was a Welsh ruler and the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales...
, but there is no contemporary evidence for this, though it may well have been damaged. There certainly was extensive reconstruction from the end of the 15th century, completed in 1532. There is a Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
inscription over the tower doorway recording that Bishop Skevington built the tower in 1532, though it was not complete when Skevington died in 1533. Some work was done during the 18th century and £2,000 was spent on repairs in 1824, followed by the altering and refitting of the interior in 1825 at a cost of a further £3252.
Rowland Meyrick the second son of Meyrick ab Llewellyn was the first Protestant Bishop of Bangor and is buried under the Cathedral. Meyrick ab Llewllyn was High Sheriff and Captain of the guard at the Coronation of King Henry the VIII April 26, 1509.
Architecture
Features of interest
The cathedral contains the "Mostyn Christ", a figure of the Pensive ChristPensive Christ
The Pensive Christ or Christus im Elend is a subject in Christian iconography depicting a contemplating Jesus, sitting with his head supported by his hand with the Crown of Thorns and marks of his flagellation...
carved in oak and thought to date from the late 15th century, depicting Christ prior to the crucifixion, seated on a rock and wearing the crown of thorns.
In the grounds of the cathedral, the "Biblical garden is planted with an example of every plant mentioned in the Bible.
Burials
- Rowland MeyrickRowland Meyrick-Life:Born at Bodargan in the parish of Llangadwaladr, Anglesey, in 1505, he was the second son of Meyric ab Llewelyn ab Heylin, by Margaret daughter of Rowland ab Hywl, rector of Aberffraw in the same county. He was named after his maternal grandfather, and educated at St Edward Hall, Oxford. He...
, a WelshWelsh peopleThe Welsh people are an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales and the Welsh language.John Davies argues that the origin of the "Welsh nation" can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain, although Brythonic Celtic languages seem to have...
Bishop of BangorBishop of BangorThe Bishop of Bangor is the Ordinary of the Church in Wales Diocese of Bangor.The diocese covers the counties of Anglesey, most of Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire and a small part of Montgomeryshire...
(1559–1566) - Nicholas Robinson (bishop)Nicholas Robinson (bishop)-Life:Born at Conwy in North Wales, he was the second son of John Robinson, by his wife Ellin, daughter of William Brickdale. He was educated at Queens' College, Cambridge, where he matriculated in 1545 as a sizar, proceeded B.A. in 1548, and was a fellow from 1548 to 1563...
- on the south side of the high altar - Henry Rowlands (bishop)Henry Rowlands (bishop)-Life:He was born in the parish of Meyllteyrn or Bottwnog, Carnarvonshire, son of Rolant ap Robert of Meyllteyrn and of Elizabeth, daughter of Griffith ap Robert Vaughan. After being educated at Penllech school, he studied at Oxford, and graduated B.A. from New College on 17 February 1574. He then...
- in the choir, before the high altar - Edmund GriffithEdmund Griffith-Life:He was born at Cevnamlwch in Lleyn, the promontory of Carnarvonshire, the fourth son of Gruffydd ab Sion Gruffydd of Cevnamlwch. His mother was Catrin, the daughter of Sir Richard Bulkeley of Baron Hill....
, a Welsh Bishop of Bangor (1634–1637) - buried in the choir - Robert Morgan (bishop)Robert Morgan (bishop)-Life:He was born at Bronfraith in the parish of Llandyssilio in Montgomeryshire, the third son of Richard Morgan, gent., M.P. for Montgomery in 1592-3, and of his wife, Margaret, daughter of Thomas Lloyd of Gwernbuarth...
, a Welsh Bishop of Bangor (1666–1673) - buried in the grave of Bishop Nicholas Robinson - Humphrey Lloyd (bishop)Humphrey Lloyd (bishop)Humphrey Lloyd was Bishop of Bangor from 1674 until 1689.-Life:Lloyd was the third son of the vicar of Ruabon, Denbighshire, Wales, and was born in Trawsfynydd, Merioneth, Wales...
, Bishop of Bangor (1674–1689)
Deans
The DeanDean (religion)
A dean, in a church context, is a cleric holding certain positions of authority within a religious hierarchy. The title is used mainly in the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.-Anglican Communion:...
is head of the Cathedral chapter
Cathedral chapter
In accordance with canon law, a cathedral chapter is a college of clerics formed to advise a bishop and, in the case of a vacancy of the episcopal see in some countries, to govern the diocese in his stead. These councils are made up of canons and dignitaries; in the Roman Catholic church their...
. There have been fifty-five recorded Deans. The current Dean is Sue Jones.
Previous deans include:
- 1162 Arthur de Bardsey
- 1236 Guy
- 1254 William
- 1286 Kyndelw
- 1328 Adam
- 1371 Hywel ap Goronwy
- 1371:1382 John Martyn
- 1389 Walter de Swaffham
- 1396 William Clyve
- 1397 David Daron
- 1410 William Pollard
- 1410 Henry Honore
- 1413-1416 Roger Wodele
- 1423-1436 Nigel Bondeby
- 1445 John Martin
- 1464 Hugh Alcock
- 1468 Huw Morgan
- 1480-1502 Richard Cyffin
- 1502 David Yale
- 1503 Richard Cowland
- 1509-1534 John Glynne
- 1534-1554 Robert Evans
- 1554 Rhys Powell
- 1557 Robert Evans
- 1570 Roland Thomas
- 1583 Henry RowlandsHenry Rowlands (bishop)-Life:He was born in the parish of Meyllteyrn or Bottwnog, Carnarvonshire, son of Rolant ap Robert of Meyllteyrn and of Elizabeth, daughter of Griffith ap Robert Vaughan. After being educated at Penllech school, he studied at Oxford, and graduated B.A. from New College on 17 February 1574. He then...
- 1588-1593 Held by the Bishop in Commendam
- 1599–1604 Richard ParryRichard Parry (bishop)Richard Parry was a bishop of St. Asaph and translator of the Bible to the Welsh language. He was born in 1560, the son of John ap Harri, from Pwllhalog, Cwm, Flintshire, and Ruthin, and his wife, Elen ferch Dafydd ap John, a lady from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, near Ruthin, North Wales.He was...
- 1605 John WilliamsJohn Williams (college principal)John Williams was Principal of Jesus College, Oxford from 1602 to 1613 and also Dean of Bangor.Born in Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, Williams entered Corpus Christi College, Oxford in 1569, graduating with a BA in 1573/4 and an MA in 1577, before being elected a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford...
- 1613 Edmund GriffithEdmund Griffith-Life:He was born at Cevnamlwch in Lleyn, the promontory of Carnarvonshire, the fourth son of Gruffydd ab Sion Gruffydd of Cevnamlwch. His mother was Catrin, the daughter of Sir Richard Bulkeley of Baron Hill....
- 1634 Griffith WilliamsGriffith Williams (bishop)Griffith Williams , was the Anglican bishop of Ossory. He was opposed to the puritans.-Life:He was born at Treveilian in the parish of Llanrug, near Carnarvon, in1589 or 1590, was the son of a freeholder in the parish. His mother was a descendant...
- 1672 William Lloyd
- 1680 Humphrey HumphreysHumphrey HumphreysHumphrey Humphreys was successively bishop of Bangor and of Hereford .-Life:He was educated at Jesus College, Oxford and was later a Fellow of the college. A patron of Welsh literature, genealogical research and of the then newly-formed Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge...
- 1689 John Jones
- 1727 Peter Maurice
- 1750 Hughe Hughes
- 1753 Thomas Lloyd
- 1793 John Warran
- 1838 James Henry CottonJames Henry CottonJames Henry Cotton was a clergyman and educationist who held the position of Dean of Bangor from 1838 until his death and was instrumental in the restoration of Bangor Cathedral....
- 1862–76 James Vincent VincentJames Vincent VincentJames Vincent Vincent was a Welsh cleric who became Dean of Bangor Cathedral, holding the position for 14 years.-Life:...
- 1876–84 Henry Thomas EdwardsHenry Thomas EdwardsHenry Thomas Edwards was a Welsh preacher.He was born at Llan-ym-Mawddwy, Merioneth, where his father was vicar. He was educated at Westminster and at Jesus College, Oxford , and after teaching for two years at Llandovery went to Llangollen as his father's curate.He became vicar of Aberdare in...
- 1884–1901 Evan LewisEvan Lewis (Dean)Evan Lewis was a Welsh clergyman who was Dean of Bangor Cathedral from 1884 until his death.-Life:...
- 1902–03 John PryceJohn PryceJohn Pryce was a Welsh clergyman and writer on church history, who became Dean of Bangor Cathedral.-Life:Pryce was the second son of Hugh Price . He was educated at Dolgellau grammar school before matriculating at Jesus College, Oxford in 1847. He obtained his B.A. degree in 1851...
- 1903 Griffith Roberts
- 1934–40 Henry Lewis JamesHenry Lewis JamesHenry Lewis James was Dean of Bangor from 1934 to 1940 and an author of theological works in Welsh.-Life:...
- 1940 Thomas Alfred Edwards
- 1941 John Thomas Davies
- 1955 John Richard Richards
- 1957 Hywel Islwyn Williams
- 1962 Gwynfryn RichardsGwynfryn RichardsThe Very Rev Gwynfryn Richards was a Welsh Anglican priest and author in the second half of the 20th century. Born on 10 September 1902 and educated at Jesus College, Oxford, he was ordained in 1931. After curacies in Llanrhos and Aberystwyth he became Rector of Llanllyfni in 1938, a post...
- 1971 Benjamin Noel Young VaughanBenjamin Noel Young VaughanThe Right Rev Benjamin Noel Young Vaughan was Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in the Church in Wales between 1976 and 1987....
- 1976 John Ivor Rees
- 1988-1998 Thomas Erwyd Prys Edwards
- 1998-2003 Trevor Evans
- 2004-July 2011 Alun Hawkins
- September 2011 - Susan Helen Jones
The Organ
A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.List of organists
- 1644 Thomas Bolton
- 1689 (A Vicar Choral) ?
- 1691 Thomas Roberts
- 1705 ? Priest
- 1708 ? Smith
- 1710 ? Ferrer
- 1713 John Rathbone
- 1721 Thomas Rathbone
- 1750 Thomas Lloyd
- 1778 Richard Jarred
- 1782 William Shrubsole
- 1784 Edmund Olive
- 1793 Joseph Pring
- 1842 James Sharpe Pring
- 1868 Robert Roberts
- 1872 Roland Rogers
- 1892 T. Westlake Morgan
- 1906 Roland Rogers (reappointed)
- 1928 Leslie Douglas Paul
- 1970 John Hywel
- 1972 Andrew John Goodwin
- ???? Martin Brown
- 2009 Graham Eccles (acting)
The Celebrated Bard, Dafydd ap Gwilym
Dafydd ap Gwilym
Dafydd ap Gwilym , is regarded as one of the leading Welsh poets and amongst the great poets of Europe in the Middle Ages. Dafydd ap Gwilym (c. 1315/1320 – c. 1350/1370), is regarded as one of the leading Welsh poets and amongst the great poets of Europe in the Middle Ages. Dafydd ap Gwilym...
, who wrote in the fourteenth century, makes particular mention of an organ and choir at Bangor in his time, in a commendatory Ode addressed to Hywel, Dean of Bangor. The Ode, which was in Welsh, has the following : "Whose organ, and harmonious choir, are unrivalled in performance." Hywel was made Dean of Bangor in 1359 and Bishop in 1370. This Ode, therefore, must have been written between 1359 and 1370, and the allusion to an organ renders it obvious there must have been an Organist at that time.
Assistant organists
- Vernon Oswald Wright 1895 - 1897
- Llewelyn Jones 1889 - 1902 (then organist of Christ Church, LlanfairfechanLlanfairfechanLlanfairfechan is a town and community in the Conwy County Borough, Wales. It lies on the coast of north Wales on the route of the A55 road, between Penmaenmawr and Bangor. It previously was in Gwynedd and prior to that was in Caernarfonshire. For ceremonial and electoral boundary purposes it was...
) - William E. Jones 1902 -
- Michael Mullinar ca. 1909 - ?
- James Griffiths 1964-2007
- Marc Rochester 1978-1980
There have been many assistant organists over the years including Arnold Lewis who became head of music BBC Wales, James Griffiths 1964-2007, and the present assistant Martin Brown.