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Llanfair Garth Branan

Nearest town: Bangor

Site type: former religious site

Access: Public

Church name:

Diocese:

County: Conwy

Country: Wales

Grid ref: SH5802272275

Lost yew site: No

Date visited: No data

Recorded by: Deiniol R. Pritchard

Protection & responsibility: Local authority

Yews recorded at this site: Ancient 4m-5m

Notes: It is believed that the original parish church of Bangor lies on this site, though a precise location is uncertain. The archaeological remains of the mediaeval chapel and associated graveyard are present in the College Park of Bangor University. Situated directly below the main University College building upon a terrace (53° 13ʹ 42.6ʺ N; 4° 7ʹ 42.0ʺ W), the chapel remnant presents as a distinct rectangular depression in the ground, measuring some 25ft by 11ft, the major axis possessing an approximate E-W alignment. A synthesis of the archaeological findings with that information extracted from the written record has led to the conclusion that the structure constitutes the remains of the ancient parish church of Llanfair Garth Branan. This church is notable for its having been the location of a diocesan synod held in July 1291 and presided over by Bishop Anian, the event being recorded upon an end flyleaf in the Bangor Pontifical. The church is mentioned again in 1486/87, then the record would appear to fall silent.