Diocese of Bangor
The Diocese of Bangor is a diocese of the Church in Wales in North West Wales. The diocese covers Anglesey, most of Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire and the western part of Montgomeryshire.
History
The diocese in the Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd was founded around 546 by Saint Deiniol. As with the rest of Wales, it initially resisted the papal mission of St Augustine of Canterbury in Britain. In 1534, the church in England and Wales broke allegiance with the Catholic Church and established the Church of England.
The Report of the Commissioners appointed by his Majesty to inquire into the Ecclesiastical Revenues of England and Wales found the see had an annual net income of £4,464. This made it the second wealthiest diocese in Wales, after St Asaph.
After a brief restoration with the Holy See during the reign of Queen Mary I, the diocese remained part of the Anglican Province of Canterbury until the early 20th century. Following the Welsh Church Act 1914, the Welsh dioceses formed the independent Church in Wales within the Anglican Communion on 31 March 1920.
Bishops of Bangor
The Bishop of Bangor is the ordinary of the Diocese of Bangor. The incumbent is Andy John, who was consecrated the 81st Bishop of Bangor in 2008. Since 2022 he has also been the Archbishop of Wales, and on 19 January 2024, he announced the appointment of David Morris as the next assistant bishop of Bangor and titular Bishop of Bardsey.
Archdeaconries and deaneries
Before the recent reorganisation the deaneries were:
- under the Archdeacon of Bangor: Archlechwedd, Arfon, Llifon-Talybolion, Malltraeth, Ogwen, Tyndaethwy and Twrcelyn.
- under the Archdeacon of Merioneth: Ardudwy, Arwystli, Cyfeiliog-Mawddwy, Llyn-Eifionydd and Ystumaner.
List of churches
The diocese is divided into 27 ministry areas and 162 churches. There are three deaneries where previously there were twelve. In 2018 the deaneries of Synod De Meirionnydd and Synod Gogledd Meirionnydd were merged into a single Synod Meirionnydd. There are 122 former churches within the area covered by the diocese, roughly 38 of which have closed since 2000.
APC = ancient parish church. MC = medieval chapelry.
Bro Beuno Sant Uwch Gwyrfai Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Clynnog Fawr, Llanaelhaearn, Llandwrog, Llanllyfni Christ Church, Llanllyfni St John, Llanllyfni St Rhedyw and Llanwnda. It is named after St Beuno, to whom a church in the area is dedicated, and the medieval commote of Uwch Gwyrfai. It has an estimated population of 11,436. As of September 2025 its clergy positions were vacant.
Bro Celynnin Ministry Area
This was formed in 2016 by the union of the parishes of Caerhun-with-Llangelynnin, Conwy, Gyffin and Upper Llanbedr. It is named after St Celynnin, to whom a church in the area is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 7,235. As of September 2025 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
1used for one service a month in the summer months 2original dedication to St Mary
Bro Deiniol Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bangor Cathedral, Bangor Holy Cross, Bangor St David, Bangor St Mary and Bangor St Peter. It is named after St Deiniol, the first Bishop of Bangor. It has an estimated population of 18,519. As of September 2024 it was served by one Residentiary Canon.
Bro Dwylan Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Dwygyfylchi St David, Dwygyfylchi St Gwynin, Dwygyfylchi St Seiriol, Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr. It is named after ?. It has an estimated population of 8,108. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
1dedication was Christ Church until 1999.
Bro Eryri Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Llanberis St Padarn, Llanberis St Peter, Llanddeiniolen, Llandinorwig, Llanrug and Penisarwaun. It is named after Eryri, the Welsh name for Snowdonia. It has an estimated population of 10,297. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Associate Priest.
Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Betws-y-Coed, Dolgarrog, Dolwyddelan, Llanrhychwyn, Penmachno and Trefriw. It is named after Gwydyr Forest. It has an estimated population of 3,107. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
1dedicated to St Curig until 1883
Bro Ogwen Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Coetmor, Glanogwen, Llandygai St Ann, Llandygai St Tegai, Llanllechid, Pentir, Tal-y-bont and Tregarth. It is named after the Afon Ogwen. It has an estimated population of 9,251. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Community Chaplain.
1original dedication to St Anne 2may be still open
Bro Peblig Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bettws Garmon, Caernarfon, Llanbeblig, Llanfair-is-Gaer Griffith's Crossing and Llanfair-is-Gaer St Mary. It is named after St Peblig, to whom is dedicated the original parish church of Caernarfon. It has an estimated population of 15,717. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
Bro Tudno Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Llandudno Holy Trinity and Llandudno St Tudno. It is named after St Tudno, to whom is dedicated the original parish church of Llandudno. It has an estimated population of 7,247. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
Bro Ardudwy Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bontddu, Caerdeon, Dyffryn, Harlech, Llanaber St David, Llanaber St John, Llanaber St Mary, Llanbedr, Llandanwg, Llanddwywe, Llandecwyn, Llanenddwyn, Llanfair-Juxta-Harlech and Llanfihangel-Y-Traethau. It is named after the historical area of Ardudwy. It has an estimated population of 6,925. As of September 2025 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
1original dedication to St Bodfan
Bro Arwystli Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Carno, Llandinam, Llangurig, Llanidloes, Llanwnnog, Penstrowed and Trefeglwys. It is named after the historical area of Arwystli. It has an estimated population of 8,428. As of September 2025 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Associate Vicar.
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Cemais, Corris, Darowen, Esgairgeiliog, Llanbrynmair, Llanwrin, Machynlleth, Mallwyd and Penegoes. It is named after the medieval commotes of Cyfeiliog and Mawddwy. It has an estimated population of 6,589. As of September 2025 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Associate Priest.
1original dedication to SS Ust & Dyfrig
Bro Cymer Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bryncoedifor, Dolgellau, Llanelltud and Llanfachreth. It is named after Cymer Abbey. It has an estimated population of 4,256. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Abererch, Beddgelert, Criccieth, Denio, Dolbenmaen, Llanarmon, Llangybi, Llanystymdwy, Porthmadog St John, Porthmadog St Cyngar and Treflys. It is named after the historical area of Eifionydd. It has an estimated population of 10,330. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
1Victorian church closed 2023. Congregation continues to meet in a remodelled dentist's surgery.
Bro Enlli Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberdaron, Llanbedrog, Llanengan, Llanfaelrhys, Llangian, Llannor and Pwllheli. It is named after Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). It has an estimated population of 10,322. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Pilgrim Priest.
Bro Madryn Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Botwnnog, Bryncroes, Edern, Llandudwen, Llangwnnadl, Llaniestyn, Nefyn, Penllech, Pistyll and Tudweiliog. It is named after Saint Madryn. It has an estimated population of 5,393. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
1closed 2014 but reopened 2024
Bro Moelwyn Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Blaenau Ffestiniog, Ffestiniog, Maentwrog, Penrhyndeudraeth and Trawsfynydd. It is named after the Moelwyn mountains. It has an estimated population of 9,057. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
Bro Ystumanner Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberdyfi, Abergynolwyn, Arthog, Fairbourne, Llanegryn, Llanfihangel-Y-Pennant, Llangelynnin, Llwyngwril, Tal-Y-Llyn and Tywyn. It is named after the historic commote of Ystumanner. It has an estimated population of 7,426. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, two Associate Vicars and one Associate Priest.
1original dedication to St Egryn
Synod Ynys Môn
Bro Cadwaladr Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberffraw, Gaerwen, Llanffinan, Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog, Llangadwaladr, Llangaffo, Llangristiolus, Trefdraeth Christ the King and Trefdraeth St Beuno. It is named after Saint Cadwaladr, to whom one of the churches is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 5,651. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Associate Priest.
Bro Cwyfan Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bodedern, Bryngwran, Caergeiliog, Llanbabo, Llanfachraeth, Llanfaelog, Llanfair-Yn-Neubwll, Llanfihangel-Yn-Nhywyn, Llangwyfan, Llantrisant, Llanynghenedl, Llechylched and Valley. It is named after Saint Kevin of Glendalough, to whom a redundant church in the area is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 9,490. As of September 2024 its clergy positions were vacant.
Bro Cybi Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Holyhead Morawelon, Holyhead St Cybi, Holyhead St Ffraid and Holyhead St Gwenfaen. It is named after Saint Cybi, to whom the church of Holyhead is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 14,133. As of September 2024 it was served by one Associate Vicar.
Bro Cyngar Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bodwrog, Heneglwys, Llandrygarn, Llanerch-Y-Medd, Llangefni, Llangwyllog St Anau, Llangwyllog St Cwyllog, Tregaean and Trewalchmai. It is named after Saint Cyngar, to whom the church of Llangefni is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 8,344. As of September 2024 its clergy positions were vacant.
Bro Dwynwen Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Llanedwen, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Llanfair-yn-y-Cwmwd, Llangeinwen, Llanidan and Newborough. It is named after Saint Dwynwen, to whom a redundant church in the area is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 6,573. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
Bro Eleth Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Amlwch, Llanallgo, Llandyfrydog, Llaneilian, Llaneugrad, Llanfihangel Tre'r Beirdd, Llanwenllwyfo and Penrhosllugwy. It is named after Saint Eleth, to whom the church at Amlwch is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 8,887. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
Bro Padrig Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bodewryd, Cemaes, Llanbadrig, Llanfaethlu, Llanfair-Yng-Nghornwy, Llanfechell, Llanfflewin, Llanrhuddlad, Llanrhwydrus and Rhosbeirio. It is named after Saint Patrick, to whom two churches in the area are dedicated. It has an estimated population of 3,795. As of September 2024 its clergy positions were vacant.
Bro Seiriol Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Beaumaris St Catherine, Beaumaris St Cawrdaf, Beaumaris SS Mary & Nicholas, Beaumaris St Michael, Beaumaris St Seiriol and Llanddona. It is named after Saint Seiriol, to whom a church in the area is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 3,615. As of September 2024 it was served by one Associate Vicar.
Bro Tysilio Ministry Area
This was formed by the union of the parishes of Llanbedrgoch, Llandegfan, Llandysilio, Llanfair Mathafarn Eithaf, Llansadwrn, Menai Bridge and Pentraeth. It is named after Saint Tysilio, to whom the ancient church of Menai Bridge is dedicated. It has an estimated population of 9,950. As of September 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Associate Vicars.
Dedications
Medieval churches (chapelries in ''italics'')
Holy Cross: Ceirchiog, LlannorSt Aelhaiarn: LlanaelhaearnSt Aelrhiw: RhiwSS Afran, Ieuan & Sannan: LlantrisantSt Ana: CoedanaSt Baglan: LlanfaglanSt Benedict: GyffinSt Beuno: Aberffraw, Botwnnog, Clynnog Fawr, Denio, Penmorfa, Pistyll, TrefdraethSt Bodfan: Abergwyngregyn, LlanaberSt Bridget: Trearddur BaySt Brothen: LlanfrothenSt Buan: BoduanSt Cadfan: TywynSt Cadfarch: PenegoesSt Cadwaladr: LlangadwaladrSt Caffo: LlangaffoSt Caian: TregaianSt Catherine: Criccieth, LlanfaesSt Cawrdaf: Abererch, LlangoedSt Cedol: PentirSt Ceidio: Ceidio, RhodogeidioSt Celynnin: Llangelynnin, Llangelynnin St Cian: LlangianSt Cristiolus: LlangristiolusSt Curig: Capelcurig, LlangurigSt Cuwch: CarnguwchSt Cwyfan: Llangwyfan, TudweiliogSt Cwyllog: LlangwyllogSt Cybi: Holyhead, LlangybiSt Cynfarwy: LlechgynfarwySt Cynfil: PenrhosSt Cyngar: LlangefniSt Cynhaearn: YnyscynhaearnSt Deiniol: BangorSt Deiniol Fab: Llanddaniel Fab, LlanddeiniolenSt Dona: LlanddonaSt Dwynwen: LlanddwynSt Dwywe: LlanddwyweSt Dyfnan: LlanddyfnanSt Edern: Bodedern, EdernSt Edwen: LlanedwenSt Egryn: LlanegrynSt Eigrad: LlaneugradSt Eilian: LlaneilianSt Elaeth: AmlwchSt Enddwyn: LlanenddwynSt Engan: LlanenganSt Enghenedl: LlanynghenedlSt Euddog: LlaneuddogSt Ffinan: LlanffinanSt Fflewin: LlanfflewinSt Figael: LlanfigaelSt Gallgo: LlanallgoSt Germanus: Betwsgarmon, LlanarmonSt Gredifael: PenmynyddSt Gwenfaen: RhoscolynSt Gwenllwyfo: LlanwenllwyfoSt Gwrhai: PenstrowedSt Gwrin: LlanwrinSt Gwyddelan: DolwyddelanSt Gwyndaf: LlanwndaSt Gwynhoedl: LlangwnadlSt Gwynin: Dwygyfylchi, LlandegwningSt Gwynog: LlanwnogSt Hywyn: AberdaronSt Idloes: LlanidloesSt Iestyn: Llaniestyn, Llaniestyn St Illtud: LlanelltydSt John the Baptist: Carno, LlanystumdwySt Keyne: Cerrigceinwen, LlangeinwenSt Llechid: LlanllechidSt Llibio: LlanllibioSt Llonio: LlandinamSt Llwydian: HeneglwysSt Machraeth: Llanfachraeth, Llanfachreth St Madryn: TrawsfynyddSt Maelog: LlanfaelogSt Maelrhys: LlanfaelrhysSt Maethlu: LlanfaethluSS Marcellus & Marcellina: LlanddeusantSt Mary: Beddgelert, Bodewryd, Bryncroes, Caerhun, Caernarfon, Conwy, Dolbenmaen, Dolgellau, Gwredog, Llanbrynmair, Llanfair, Llanfairfechan, Llanfairisgaer, Llanfairmathafarneithaf, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Llanfairyngnghornwy, Llanfairynneubwll, Llanfairynycwmwd, Llannerchymedd, Nefyn, Penllech, Pentraeth, Talyllyn , Talyllyn, TrefriwSS Mary & Nicholas: BeaumarisSt Mechell: LlanfechellSt Merin: BodferinSt Michael: Betwsycoed, Llanffestiniog, Llanfihangelbachellaeth, Llanfihangeldinsylwy, Llanfihangeltre'rbeirdd, Llanfihangelynnhowyn, Llanfihangelypennant, Llanfihangelypennant, Llanfihangelysgeifiog, Llanfihangelytraethau, Llanrug, Penrhoslligwy, Trefeglwys, TreflysSt Morhaiarn: GwalchmaiSt Mwrog: LlanfwrogSt Nidan: LlanidanSt Pabo: LlanbaboSt Patrick: LlanbadrigSt Peblig: LlanbebligSt Peirio: RhosbeirioSt Peris: LlanberisSt Peter: Llanbedr, Llanbedrgoch, Llanbedrycennin, Machynlleth, Meyllteyrn, Newborough, PennalSt Petroc: LlanbedrogSt Peulan: LlanbeulanSt Rhedyw: LlanllyfniSt Rhwydrys: LlanrhwydrusSt Rhychwyn: LlanrhychwynSt Rhyddlad: LlanrhyddladSt Sadwrn: LlansadwrnSt Seiriol: PenmonSt Tanwg: LlandanwgSt Tecwyn: LlandecwynSt Tegai: LlandygaiSt Tegfan: LlandegfanSt Trygarn: LlandrygarnSt Tudglyd: PenmachnoSt Tudno: LlandudnoSt Tudur: DarowenSt Tudwen: LlandudwenSt Twrog: Bodwrog, Llandwrog, MaentwrogSt Tydecho: Cemmaes, Llanymawddwy, MallwydSt Tyfrydog: LlandyfrydogSt Tysilio: LlandysilioSS Ust & Dyfrig: LlanwrinSt Ylched: LlechylchedNo dedication/dedication unknown: Capel Lligwy
Post-medieval churches
Christ Church: Caernarfon, Glanogwen, Llandinorwig, Llanfairfechan, Machynlleth, Penygroes, Rhosybol, Talsarnau Christ the King: Malltraeth Holy Cross: Maesgeirchen, Talybont Holy Trinity: Bryngwran, Corris, Llandudno, Penrhyndeudraeth SS Afran, Ieuan & Sannan: Llantrisant new St Agnes: Conwy St Andrew: Benllech St Anne: Tanybwlch St Baglan: Llanfaglan new St Bartholomew: Bontddu St Bridget: Trearddur Bay St Catherine: Arthog, Garreg St Celynnin: Llangelynnin new, Llwyngwril St Curig: Capelcurig St Cyngar: Borthygest St Cynon: Fairbourne St David: Abergynolwyn, Bangor, Barmouth, Blaenauffestiniog, Caergeiliog, Caernarfon, Dylife, Garndolbenmaen, Holyhead, Nefyn, Penmaenmawr St Deiniol: Criccieth, Talwrn St Elizabeth: Dolwyddelan, Glasinfryn St Enclydwyn: Cwmpenmachno St Gabriel: Cwmyglo St George: Llandudno, Trefor St Gwenllwyfo: Llanwenllwyfo new St Helen: Penisa'r Waun St Hywyn: Aberdaron new St James: Bangor, Llithfaen St John the Baptist: Pontcyfyng St John the Evangelist: Abersoch, Barmouth, Llanbrynmair, Porthmadog, Talysarn, Waunfawr St Julitta: Capelcurig St Mark: Brithdir St Martha: Manod St Mary: Bangor, Betwsycoed, Caersws, Dinorwig, Dolgarrog, Felinheli, Llangwyfan, Menaibridge, Morfanefyn, Rhoslefain, Tregarth, Tremadog St Matthew: Bryncrug St Michael: Gaerwen, Valley St Nidan: Llanidan new St Padarn: Llanberis St Patrick: Cemaes Bay St Paul: Bryncoedifor St Peter: Aberdyfi, Amlwch, Penrhosgarnedd, Pwllheli St Philip: Caerdeon St Seiriol: Holyhead, Penmaenmawr St Tanwg: Harlech St Thomas: Groeslon, Newborough No dedication/dedication unknown: Bethel, Coetmor Chapel, Derwenlas, Felinheli, Rhostryfan, Tanygrisiau, Uchygarreg
Parishes in 1895
From Slater's Directory of North and Mid Wales.
Archdeaconry of Bangor and Anglesey
Deanery of Arllechwydd
1formed from Llanrhychwyn, Llanrwst, Llandegai and Llanllechid
Archdeaconry of Merioneth
Deanery of Ardudwy
1formed from Llanfihangel-y-traethau, Llandecwyn and Llanfrothen
Deanery of Cyfeiliog a Mawddwy
1created from Llanbrynmair, Darowen, Penegoes and Trefeglwys
Deanery of Ystumanner or Estimaner
1formed from Talyllyn and Llanwrin