Wales' oldest city marks 1500 years with rare manuscript exhibition

An exhibition at Bangor University will mark 1500 years of Bangor Cathedral with rare manuscripts and archival treasures.

Curated by the Archives and Special Collections at Bangor University, this major exhibition marks 1500 years since St. Deiniol founded his monastery in Bangor in 525 AD. The city's name comes from the fence, called a 'bangor,' that Deiniol built to enclose his community of prayer. 1500 years later, the cathedral continues to serve the city that grew up around this original settlement.

The exhibition showcases rare and significant items from the University's archival collection alongside precious materials from the Cathedral Library. This remarkable collection has been in the care of Bangor University for several decades. Visitors will discover illuminated manuscripts, rare printed books, and archival documents that tell the story of this ancient Welsh ecclesiastical centre.

The exhibition is now open and will run until 19 December 2025 online and at the Main Arts Building at Bangor University.

"This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore 1500 years of continuous religious and cultural heritage," says, Elen Wyn Simpson, Archives and Special Collections Manager at Bangor University. "The materials we're displaying reveal the important role Bangor Cathedral has played in Welsh history and the broader story of Christianity in Britain."

“It’s an honour to be part of the celebrations of the Cathedral and City of Bangor and a great opportunity to showcase the rare and significant items within the Cathedral Library.”