2024 marks Bangor University’s 140th anniversary, and to celebrate its anniversary, there is a display in the community case in the foyer at Storiel which includes a selection of items relating to the University’s history from the collection.
The University College of North Wales was opened in Bangor on the 18th October 1884. With this event the hopes and aspirations of many since the days of Owain Glyndŵr for a University in north Wales were realised. Fifty eight students attended the institution when it was established, but today there are well over 11,000 students here from all corners of the world benefitting from the strong Welsh tradition that belives in the value of education for everyone.
The College’s first home was in the old Penrhyn Arms hotel, a large former coaching inn leased from the Penrhyn Estate. On the 18th October 1884,with the words ‘Knowledge is Power’ above its main entrance University College of North Wales was officially opened. There are photographs of the opening ceremony in the case. It was intended to be a temporary home from the start, but nearly twenty years passed before the land of the present site was donated to build a new university. In 1902 George Sholto Gordon, the second Lord Penrhyn, sold Penrallt house and surrounding land to Bangor City Council. This was the land donated for the new building.
The Main Arts Building was built between 1907-1911 on the site of Penrallt house. The tower of the Main Building is believed to lie in the exact location of the old house. This door knocker belonged to Penrallt’s house.
