Bangor’s multi-million-pound development of Beach Road, which includes a new flood-defence promenade and a tourist track, took another step forward this week with the unveiling of a historic lectern that highlights the bygone story of Hirael.
The latest lectern installed recounts the remarkable vision of former Bangor Mayor and businessman Isidore Wartski, who, in the 1930s, sought to almost completely level the rat-infested and slum-inhabited area of Hirael and rebuild it from scratch.
Other lecterns provide insights into the significance of Port Penrhyn to Bangor’s economy and the global demand for Penrhyn Quarry slate, as well as the requisitioning of Beach Road during World War II for military encampments housing US troops before the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Among the US servicemen stationed in Hirael was the American boxing champion Joe Louis. A fourth lectern discusses the need for flood defences along Bangor’s seashore and explains how the engineering of these defences was designed.
Bangor City and Hirael Ward Councillor Mark Roberts, pictured alongside Professor Nathan Abrams of Bangor University, explained, “Beach Road will still look like a massive construction site until the end of this year, but behind the fencing, cement silos, and cranes, there’s a lot happening to transform it into a delightful area for visitors, cyclists, walkers, and casual strollers to enjoy. These lecterns add to the appeal—they’re fascinating.”
Cllr. Roberts further noted that when Gwynedd Council’s YGC first opened consultations on what stories and old photos should be depicted, he had little hope that the story of former Mayor Wartski’s visionary and bold redevelopment plan for Hirael would be chosen. However, it was selected. “Mayor Wartski is an integral part of Bangor’s past and present. His decision to temporarily relocate an entire population—including men, women, the elderly, some who were sick and infirm, as well as children and infants—while he leveled Hirael was audacious and brave.”
Contributing to Cllr. Roberts’s efforts, Bangor University Professor Nathan Abrams also conducted research for this project. “Isidore Wartski came from a family of impoverished Prussian refugees who developed his father’s business into one that is now famous in jewellery and fine art. The lectern gives only a snapshot of his daring as a city councillor. Demolishing an entire quarter of Bangor’s residential area to remove it from Victorian squalor took considerable courage.”
Last year, the London-based Wartski firm generously spent nearly £8,000 to repair Bangor City Council’s badly damaged 140-year-old silver ceremonial city mace. This year, they have made significant donations to both Bangor University and the restoration and recreation of a tourist trail at the former Wartski Field, which the family donated to the city and which now hosts the Nantporth sports facilities.
Cllr. Roberts concluded, “Many in Bangor might have long forgotten the name ‘Wartski,’ but it’s wonderful to see that ‘Wartski’ hasn’t forgotten us.”
