| AdminHistory | Formally opened in 1862, Normal College was the first of its kind; offering opportunities of higher education unheard of in the Principality. Led by Sir Hugh Owen and John Phillips, the college was established with the aim to secure the needful supply of teachers to North Wales. Bangor, being conveniently accessible and an existing centre for education, was chosen as the site for the new institution. However, opposition was met, stating Bangor was too remote to house such a school. But despite this, the college was backed by the majority, as well as the government, so the build commenced in the late 50s. With the government offering £2,000 in funding as well as the financial aid acquired by the college’s first Principal John Phillips travels, the college embarked on an interesting yet somewhat turbulent future spanning almost 150 years.
From only 12 students in the college’s first year to a total of 200 by 1911, attendance remained a prominent issue throughout its lifetime. When the college opened its doors across the border in 1870, exasperated by the removal of Welsh from the syllabus in 1963, there was an outcry in the North Wales press. English candidates were overshadowing the Welsh students and the college was becoming increasingly anglicised. However, with North Wales being the college’s primary financial support, concessions were made and from 1901, English students consisted of only 25% of the student body.
In 1996 The Normal College and the University of Wales Bangor integrated and to celebrate this event Bangor Normal College, 1858-1958 was reprinted. This volume highlights the trials and tribulations the college faced, celebrates the inherently Welsh nature of its history and reminisces about the immense meaning the college possesses as one of the first educational institutions of its kind in North Wales.
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