Deaneries

Bangor Archdeaconry

1. Arfon
2. Arllechwedd
3. Llifon & Talybolion
4. Malltraeth
5. Ogwen
6. Tindaethwy & Menai
7. Twrcelyn

Meirionnydd Archdeaconry

8. Ardudwy
9. Arwystli
10. Cyfeiliog & Mawddwy
11. Llŷn & Eifionydd
12. Ystumaner

Deanery of ogwen

Cathedral Church of St Deiniol, Bangor

Map Reference

SH 581721

Nearest Town

Bangor

Items of Interest

Thompson's mouse marks,
Pulpit, Altar frontal,
Altar mural, Font,
Chapter stalls,
Bishop's Throne,
'Christ the King' statue,
'Mostyn Christ' statue.

Bangor Cathedral is one of the oldest, perhaps the oldest cathedral foundation in continuous use in Britain. Deiniol came here and built a cell on this site surrounding it with a wattle fence - a 'bangor.' In 546AD, Deiniol was given spiritual oversight of Gwynedd, by Maelgwyn, Prince of Gwynedd, and his church became a Cathedral - probably the first territorial diocese in Britain.

The Cathedral is the Bishop of Bangor's Church, and the Mother Church of the Diocese of Bangor. It is the church in which the Bishop has his Throne (or in Latin & Greek 'Cathedra'). It is from this Chair that he presides at Holy Communion and teaches the Christian Faith. The Cathedral is administered by the Dean & Chapter, with the help of the Minor Canon, lay employees, retired clerics, and many other lay workers.

• FEATURES TO NOTE WITHIN THE CATHEDRAL
  1. THOMPSON'S MOUSE MARKS - Five are to be found within the Cathedral.
  2. PULPIT In memory of the poet and hymn writer 'Nicander', The Rev'd. Morris Williams, a Canon of the Cathedral.
  3. ROOD SCREEN - Designed by Oldrid Scott.
  4. NAVE ALTAR FRONTAL - this fine piece of work depicts the many aspects of life in the Diocese of Bangor.
  5. CHAPTER STALLS - these display the ancient Coat of Arms of the ancient families of Gwynedd, probably Patrons of the Chapter.
  6. BISHOP'S THRONE - notice the Coat of Arms of the Diocese - the ermine and the spurs.
  7. CHRIST THE KING - a 16th century, Flemish statue, with other earlier figures. See also Madonna and Child, possibly from the 14th century, at the entrance to the Lady Chapel.
  8. ALTAR MURAL - the Risen Christ and two disciples reach Emmaus on Easter Evening - mural by Brian Thomas. Two others may be seen at the west end.
  9. FONT - Early 15th century, including the Diocesan Coat of Arms.
  10. MOSTYN CHRIST - a Bound Rood, Christ is seated on a rock before his crucifixion. This late 15th century statue is one of the greatest treasures, and is on loan from the Lord Mostyn Estate.
  11. SHOP - whilst looking round, notice the mediaeval tiles, and the magnificent 'Eva' stone, a sepulchral slab from the 14th century