The format of cities in Wales differs quite significantly from that of the other home nations. Despite occupying approximately 10 per cent of Great Britain’s landmass, only 6 designated cities exist in Wales, all of them pushed outwards against the coast due to the expanse of mountainous terrain at its centre. Bangor, on the north coast, is one of a select number of British cities with the time immemorial accolade, and is the oldest city in Wales as a result.
Bangor’s city status is not particularly obvious upon entering the settlement. Its urban expanse is confined to an area bound by the brutal torrents of the Menai Strait and sharp inclines southeast rising up to form the northernmost reaches of Snowdonia National Park. The current Cathedral building and University both stand as fairly recent additions to the ‘cityscape’ given its age but distinguish Bangor from Cardiff and Swansea in providing traditional architecture as a focal point for the ‘look’ of the city. Porth Penrhyn, a historic port to the north furthers this by bordering the large Penrhyn Castle estate and combines the city’s importance in transporting resources out into the Irish Sea during the industrial revolution, with the gentrified grounds of one of the nation’s many fortified castles.
Today Bangor’s position, at the final point before the Isle of Anglesey, still keeps the rest of the UK connected with the Irish capital by the means of a long-standing ferry service. Road traffic consisting of both freight and tourists flows across approximately 70 miles of water from nearby Holyhead after the Menai Strait connecting Anglesey with the mainland was bridged in the 1800s. With continued relevance at the tip of Wales, visiting Bangor is insightful for tourists and with a largely successful University and proximity to Snowdonia, Llandudno and the Great Orme, it’s no surprise that the area brings a significant following of visitors.
In addition, the city centre packs a surprising amount of amenities into its compact high street. A number of recognisable chains sit with quirky convenience stores and some notably good pubs that provide more than the essentials for a settlement of its size. With a train station serving London, Birmingham and a selection of English border towns along with road links across the north Welsh coast and down towards Aberystwyth, it is relatively well connected, despite the extended journey times from its isolated position.
Crucially, Bangor holds onto a healthy amount of Welsh character. The native language is conspicuous, rearing its head in everyday situations on the bus or at the bar and goes well beyond the level heard amongst the international crowds in the metropoles south of the Brecons. Harsh weather and the need to live practically ensures a healthy, grounded attitude from the locals in a manner consistent with those from northern England and sees less of a reliance on vanity in the name of being reasonable and comfortable.
This refreshing demeanour results in Bangor being the Ronseal of Welsh cities. Its size suggests a town that lives within its means, holds onto its far-reaching past and embraces only what’s necessary for its people. A format that other UK cities could learn an awful lot from.
