Gartherwen

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Garth (refering to the district/area towards the pier) Erwen (Oak)

It was home of Ald. Thomas Lewis, J.P. (b1821 - d1897) the second mayor of Bangor (mayor between 1885 - 1887) who donated the Town Clock at the end of his tenure. He is noted as there in 1871 in the North Wales Chronicle.

The College Hall of Residence for Women was built next to the house opening in October 1897.

1911 census only shows 2 residents both domestic servants - the cook Mary Davies (45 Llanllechid) and a parlor maid Annie Reeves (23 Dover, Kent) in what is recorded as a 12 roomed property (inc kitchen but not bathrooms). The Summary Book however lists Sir Harry Reichel as the "Occupier" (but only 2 female persons in residence).

Principal Sir Harry Reichel, M.A., LL.D., [1] was the first Principle of the College between 1884-1927, serving 43 years - six terms - and was Knighted in 1907, he died in 1931. Prior to Gartherwen he was resident at Penrallt, Bangor since H Barber's departure in 1888. (North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 17 March 1888). The move was necessitated by the impending demolition of Penrallt for the construction of the Main Arts building.  


Laterly became a halls of residence under University ownership until the 2000s when it became offices for the University, as it is today.