'When did the gentry lose their Welsh?'

Bangor History Festival

Historians have traditionally viewed the ‘anglicisation’ of the gentry as a critical feature in the social, cultural and political history of Wales since the Act of Union of 1534 and 1543. Yet there remains considerable uncertainty about when, why and to what extent this influential group lost the ability to speak Welsh. In this talk, which will take place at 12pm in room PL2 on Level 2 of Pontio, Shaun explores the relationship between the gentry and the Welsh language. Notwithstanding an undeniable long-term trajectory of Welsh-language decline, he finds that several landowners retained Welsh-language abilities and affinities into the nineteenth century. The research shines a spotlight on the linguistic character of the Welsh gentry and their country houses, offers important insights into the dynamics of tenant-landowner relations on Welsh estates and the administration of justice in Welsh communities, and provides important content for history of bilingualism in Wales.

A collaboration between Bangor University (including Pontio), Bangor City Council, Storiel and Bangor Cathedral, the two-day Bangor History festival takes place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of October 2025 and promises a rich programme of events across four locations, all designed to bring Bangor’s extraordinary history to life. 

Saturday 18th October sees a full day of workshops, discussions, interactive exhibitions, and guest talks, the majority of which will be free to attend, including Shaun's talk. See the full programme of events here. 

Headline talks on both evenings will be delivered by two of Britain's leading historians, authors and broadcasters - Greg Jenner and Professor Kate Williams. Greg's talk on the Firday entitled 'Ask a Historian: An Evening with Greg Jenner' promises to bring history to life with his trademark humour and insight, while Kate's talk on the Saturday entitled 'Queens, Castles and Welsh Heroines: Secrets Behind The Castle Walls' will uncover the powerful stories and legacies of remarkable women in Welsh history. Tickets for both of these talks are available on the Pontio website.