4. 19th Century

Nonconformist Chapels in Wales

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Creative Commons License Text by Robin Drayton, July 2020 ; This work is dedicated to the Public Domain.
Images are under a separate Creative Commons Licence.




19th century

Industrial Chapels & Benefactors

This item is based on the article by Stephen Hughes on the Welsh Chapels website. External link

William Madocks
Landowner and industrialist. Porthmadog
He built the Cob across the Glaslyn Estuary and established Porthmadog and Tremadog. Although not a dissenter, he commissioned a Calvinistic Methodist chapel.
Peniel Chapel, Porthmadog
SH5639 : Capel Peniel by Dewi
This Welsh Presbyterian chapel in Tremadog was built by local nonconformists with the support of W. A. Madocks who planned and built the village on land he had reclaimed from the sea.
by Dewi

It is in the ownership of the Welsh Religious Buildings Trust, a charity set up to care for a selection of redundant chapels that are historically and/or architecturally significant to the story of chapel building and Nonconformity in Wales and that are valuable to their local communities.
It is Grade I listed.
Full details can be found here LinkExternal link



The Conway family and others
Baptists. Afan Llwyd Tinplate manufacturers.
From the 1750s through to the early 1800s a number of tinplate works were established along the Afan Llwyd from present day Cwmbran to Caerleon.
Pontrhydrun Baptist Chapel
ST3096 : Croesyceiliog Evangelical Baptist Church by Ruth Sharville
A plaque records that ‘George Conway and family founded this church in 1807’.
This building dates from 1836 with modifications in 1889.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link


Caerleon Baptist Chapel
ST3490 : Former Baptist Chapel, Caerleon by Robin Drayton
In 1764 Caerleon Baptist Chapel was established with monies provided, in the main, by the owners of the Ponthir Tinplate Works.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



Zion Baptist Chapel, Ponthir
ST3292 : Zion Baptist Church, Ponthir, Torfaen by Jaggery
Set back from Station Road. The building dating from 1836 was Grade II Listed in 1981 as an attractive late Georgian chapel and schoolroom with unusual broad double facade and original window detail and gallery within.
By Jaggery

An offshoot from the Caerleon Baptist Chapel to accommodate the English speakers. It was built on land belonging to the tinplate works and adjoined a row of cottages which had been erected for the tinplate workers.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link




John Jones Jenkins and others
Welsh Independents. Morriston Tinplate manufacturers.
These industrialists used their money and skills as architect and stone mason in the establishment of a number of chapels in the late 19th century. The most expensive of these was Tabernalc, Morriston at £15,000.
Tabernacl Welsh Independent Chapel, Morriston, Swansea
SS6697 : Grade I Listed Capel y Tabernacl, Morriston, Swansea by Jaggery
This large chapel built in 1870-1872 is known as the Cathedral of Welsh Nonconformity. It was originally New Libanus Chapel. The building was Grade I listed in 1993 as perhaps the most ambitious grand chapel in Wales with a striking exterior presence and virtually unaltered interior and fittings.
By Jaggery

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link


Others followed with a similar design but at a lower cost at nearby Llanelli (£4,000) and Llanidloes in mid-Wales (£1,500).

Tabernacl Welsh Independent Chapel, Llanelli
SN5000 : Grade II* listed Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli by Jaggery
The chapel occupies a site bordered by Coleshill Terrace, Church Street and Coldstream Street.
It was built in 1872-1873. A prominent feature is the four-pillared Corinthian arcade at the entrance. Grade II* listed in December 1992.
By Jaggery

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



Sion Congregational Chapel, Llanidloes (Trinity)
SN9584 : Trinity Church, Llanidloes by Dave Croker
More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



David Davies (Llandinam)
Railway contractor and industrialist. Calvinistic Methodist.
SO0288 : David Davies Llandinam by Penny Mayes
Born in Llandinam in 1818, Davies was the son of a tenant farmer. He left school at 11 and worked with his father both on the farm and as a sawyer. He made enough money to buy himself a farm and then another. Farms in the Severn valley are prone to flooding and Davies's flood prevention work impressed the then County Surveyor of Montgomeryshire Thomas Penson, and he was asked to take on the work of building the foundations, road and embankment for a new iron bridge across the Severn.
As his civil engineering skills developed he turned his attention to the building of railways and was responsible for the Llanidloes to Newtown line (now dismantled, the Llandinam station was at the western end of the nearby bridge SO0288 : Llandinam bridge) and later the Mid Wales Railway from Llanidloes to Llandovery and the Cambrian Railway.
His interests then turned to coal and, with a group of investors, he started mining in the upper Rhondda Valley. Another of his lasting achievements was the building of Barry Docks which he needed to secure a stable overseas market for his Rhondda coal.
This is the twin of the statue of Davies outside the Barry Dock Office LinkExternal link. He is shown holding the plans for Barry Docks.
by Penny Mayes


He built a large mansion, Broneirion, near to his boyhood home in Llandinam.
SO0288 : Broneirion from the terrace by Penny Mayes


Select the adjacent picture to see details of the house


In his obituary it states ‘At all times, if any way possible, he would return home for the Sunday, in order not to miss service with his class in the Sunday School.’
He acquired great wealth and was very generous with his donations to the building of chapels and the support of educational causes such as the University of Wales Aberystwyth.
Bethel, Calvinistic Methodist, Llandinam
SO0288 : Presbyterian Church of Wales, Llandinam by John Lord


David Davies is recorded as the donor.
The building is Grade 2 Listed as a well preserved and successfully designed chapel.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



John Cory and Richard Cory
The brothers John (Welsh Methodist) and Richard (Baptist) were colliery and shipping owners in South Wales. Their father, Captain Richard Cory, moved from Bideford to Cardiff in 1838. On his retirement in 1859 the business was renamed Cory Brothers and Co. They invested with David Davies (see above) in the establishment of Barry Docks.

John Cory is remembered as a philanthropist, giving liberally to many causes such as the Salvation Army and Dr Barnardo’s children’s homes. In many seaports he established soldiers' and sailors' rests.
ST1876 : John Cory statue, Cardiff by Robin Drayton
Situated in the Gorsedd Gardens.
John Corey (1828-1910) was a coal owner and philanthropist who supported many evangelical causes.
His company owned the largest fleet of coal wagons in the UK.
The statue shows him with a Bible in his hand.
From 1893 he resided in Dyffryn House LinkExternal link .
by Robin Drayton


In 1891 he purchased the Dyffryn Estate and built Dyffryn House which is currently in the care of the National Trust.
ST0972 : Dyffryn House and Gardens [1] by Robin Drayton
The house was built in 1893 for John Cory an industrialist and philanthropist. It has recently undergone extensive renovation.
A Grade II* listed building.
The gardens were designed by Thomas Mawson in 1903 and are Grade I listed.
by Robin Drayton


He was a member of Roath Road Chapel, Cardiff, where he preached almost every Sunday evening. This chapel was damaged in the blitz of 1941 and demolished in 1955. A picture can be seen here.External link

ST1676 : Salvation Army Citadel, Canton, Cardiff by Jaggery

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, and his wife were invited to Cardiff by John and Richard Cory in 1863. This was the start of a long and fruitful relationship. The Cory brothers providing funding for Salvation Army missions across South Wales.



Tredegarville English Baptist Chapel, The Parade, Cardiff
ST1976 : Tredegarville Baptist Church, Cardiff by John Lord
Built in 1862, largely funded by the Corey Brothers.
Richard was a member here.

It is Grade ll listed.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link




Diana, Baroness Barham, (1763-1823)

Lady Barham first visited the Gower in 1813 at the age of 50.
She was concerned to see the darkness of the place, and the spiritual destruction of its people, and was anxious to know what she could do to improve the condition. This led to her taking up residence at Fairyhill, a mansion near to Burry Green, the following year.
In the nine years up until her death she established and supported six Calvinistic Methodist chapels.

SS4691 : Fairyhill Hotel & Restaurant by Chris Henley
The home of Lady Barham from 1814 to 1823.




The chapels that she established in date order.

Bethesda, Burry Green, established 1814
SS4691 : Bethesda, Burry Green by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Bethesda Chapel was built in 1813 or 1814 by Diana, Baroness Barham (d. 1823), who also built and established other chapels and schools in the area. During the first years, the Chapel was supplied by ministers of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, staying for about two months at a time. The Rev. William Griffiths, the 'father' of Calvinistic Methodism in Gower, was appointed minister of the Chapel in 1824 under the patronage of Lord Barham, and remained there until his death.
The Rev. William Griffiths (1788-1861) was a Calvinistic Methodist minister, born at Clydau, Pembrokeshire. In 1807 he was forced to enlist in the militia and was influenced by the Methodists whom he later joined. In 1817, at the request of Lady Barham, he was sent as a missionary to the English-speaking community of Gower where he founded several churches. He is known as the 'Apostle of Gower'.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff


More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link

Bethel, Penclawdd, established 1816
In 1821-2 there was a split between the Calvinistic Methodists in Gower and the Independents and Bethel became Independent.
In 1910 the old Bethel chapel was demolished and the present chapel constructed.
There is currently no picture of this chapel on Geograph.
More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link


Trinity, Cheriton, established 1816
SS4493 : Trinity Calvanistic Methodist Church, Cheriton near Swansea by nick macneill
Rebuilt in 1868.
Grade 2 Listed.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



Paraclete, Newton, established 1818
SS6088 : Paraclete Chapel, Newton by Jennifer Luther Thomas
Rebuilt 1880 and modified 1900.
Currently the Paraclete Christian Fellowship.

In 1821-2 there was a split between the Calvinistic Methodists in Gower and the Independents and Paraclete became Independent.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



Immanuel, Pilton Green, established 1821
SS4487 : Chapel for sale, Pilton Green, Gower by Robin Drayton
Immanuel Independent Chapel was built in 1821 and modified in 1874.
It is shown here in 1987 with a For Sale sign.


SS4487 : Converted chapel by Alan Hughes

Rebuilt/modified 1874.

Converted into a residential property in late 20th century.

In 1821-2 there was a split between the Calvinistic Methodists in Gower and the Independents and Immanuel became Independent.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link



Mount Pisgah, Ilston (Parkmill), established 1822
SS5489 : Parkmill by Graham Taylor
Altered internally and externally in 1890.
In 1821-2 there was a split between the Calvinistic Methodists in Gower and the Independents and Mount Pisgah became Independent.

More information on the Welsh Chapels website LinkExternal link




Richard Glynn Vivian (1835-1910)
Inheritor from the Swansea copper mining and smelting business.
He lived most of his life in the 19th century, but it was in the 20th century that he established and funded Christian missions.
His story can be seen in the 20th century / Evangelical / Clyne Free Mission section later in this article.

Independent / Congregational (3)

For more information from Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust) External link

The above link records that English speaking congregations and some Welsh speaking congregations joined the Congregational Union of England and Wales at its foundation in 1832, while the vast majority of Welsh speaking congregations formed their own Union of Welsh Independents (Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg ) in 1872.

The 1851 Religious Census recorded 700 Independent places of worship.

The following are a selection of chapels of different dates and in various parts of the country.

Tabernacle Morriston, Swansea
To quote Anthony Jones in his book ‘Welsh Chapels’:
‘The Cathedral of Welsh Nonconformity’, the largest, grandest and most expensive chapel built in Wales: Tabernacl Morriston, by the architect and deacon John Humphrey in 1872, at the breathtaking cost of £18,000.
SS6697 : Grade I Listed Capel y Tabernacl, Morriston, Swansea by Jaggery
This large chapel built in 1870-1872 is known as the Cathedral of Welsh Nonconformity. It was originally New Libanus Chapel. The building was Grade I listed in 1993 as perhaps the most ambitious grand chapel in Wales with a striking exterior presence and virtually unaltered interior and fittings.
by Jaggery
Shared Description



Capel Soar, Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion
SN6081 : Capel Soar by Ian Capper
Welsh Independent Chapel on Primrose Hill, dating from 1803 and enlarged in 1830, then rebuilt in 1892.
by Ian Capper



Capel Berea, Welsh Independent, Pentre Berw, Isle of Anglesey
SH4772 : Capel Berea (Annibynwyr/Independents) and chapel house by Eric Jones
First built in 1839 and enlarged in 1860.

An internal view can be seen here Link.



Mynydd Seion, Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham
SJ2946 : Mynydd Seion, Rhosllanerchrugog by Peter Craine
Mynydd Seion refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
Denomination: Capel y Annibynwyr (Congregationalist) which means that it is run independently and autonomously by its congregation.
A wall plaque mentions two dates - 1866 and 1891.
by Peter Craine



Castellau Congregational Church, Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taff
ST0585 : Grade II listed Castellau Congregational Church, Llantrisant by Jaggery
Cadw records that the church was built in 1843 as Castellau Welsh Independent Chapel, a daughter chapel to Cymmer Chapel in Porth. It was rebuilt and enlarged in 1877. An eisteddfod was held here annually until 1939. Grade II listed in 2000 as Castellau Congregational Chapel. In March 2018 the name on the noticeboard Link is Castellau Congregational Church. The entrance is across a bridge over a stream, Nant Castellau. Link
by Jaggery
Shared Description



Minny Street Welsh Independent Chapel, Cathays, Cardiff
ST1877 : Minny Street Welsh Independent Chapel, Cathays, Cardiff by Jaggery
Actually located a few metres beyond the SE end of Minny Street, on the corner of Fanny Street and Basil Place. The recent planting of trees at the end of Minny Street (a few branches are visible on the right), has blocked vehicular access, further isolating the chapel from its namesake.
The chapel was built in 1887.
by Jaggery



Tabernacle Congregational Chapel, Rhiwderin, Newport
ST2687 : Tabernacle Congregational Chapel, Rhiwderin by John Lord
Built in 1860.
English speaking.

It appears not to have undergone any structural alteration since then.



Baptist (3)

An article on Welsh Baptist chapels in the 19th century can be seen on the website of the Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust) External link

In 1800 there were about 60 Baptist chapels, by 1851 this had risen to 533.
Here are some that were either built or rebuilt in the 19th century.

Providence Baptist Chapel, Howey, Powys
SO0558 : Providence Baptist Chapel, Howey by Andrew Hill

Providence Baptist Chapel was first built in 1853.

The chapel was then rebuilt in 1898, in the Simple Round-Headed style of the gable-entry type.



Mount Pleasant, English Baptist Chapel, Ponciau, Wrexham
SJ2946 : Mount Pleasant, English Baptist Chapel, Ponciau by Peter Craine

Mount Pleasant English Baptist Chapel was built in 1891, in the Gothic style with a gable-entry plan, to the design of architect J.G. Owen of Liverpool.



Queens Road Church, Llandudno, Conwy
SH7981 : Queens Road Church by Gerald England
Queens Road Church was built in 1894 as a Welsh Baptist Chapel but now is a Reformed Evangelical church.

Church website: LinkExternal link
by Gerald England



Capel Ainon, Penrhyn Bay, Conwy
SH8180 : Capel Ainon by Jonathan Wilkins
The Baptists' chapel in Glanwydden is a fine little building, so gracious and retiring that it is easy to miss it entirely when passing. The plaque on the gable reads: "AINON - ADDOLDY Y BEDYDDWYR GLANWYDDEN, CORFFORWYD 1789". My translation is "AINON - Baptists' place of worship, incorporated 1789".

Apparently there is an inscribed OS bench-mark on the structure, but I did not observe that.
by Jonathan Wilkins


Ainon Baptist Chapel was built in 1815, rebuilt in 1845 and renovated in 1863.

Bethel Baptist Chapel, New Quay, Ceredigion
SN3859 : Grade II listed Bethel Baptist Chapel, New Quay by Jaggery
The year 1849 Link is on the tablet above the central window.
The building was Grade II listed in 1994.

By Jaggery

Full details are on the Welshchapels website LinkExternal link .




Hermon Baptist Chapel, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
SM9536 : Hermon Baptist Chapel by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Hermon Baptist Chapel
An impressive chapel in the High Street with a strikingly original facade, built in 1832 (the other date 1776 presumably represents an earlier foundation).
The subtle dark and light green colour scheme enhances the classical simplicity of the architecture.
By ceridwen

Hermon is now Grade ll* listed for one of the most architecturally interesting chapel facades of its date in Wales and for the near complete contemporary interior including a fine plasterwork and gallery.



Capel Nebo, Mathry, Pembrokeshire
SM8731 : Capel Nebo 1893 by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Baptist chapel in Mathry.
The white stone adornments on the gateposts are frequently seen in this area, and perhaps other parts of Wales too.
I have seen them referred to as babalwbi/babaloobi.
By ceridwen

The welshchapels website refers to it as
Nebo Baptist Chapel Sunday School.



Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Glanamman, Carmarthenshire - erected in 1843
SN6813 : Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Glanamman by Jeremy Bolwell
Another large chapel dating from 1842 initially. See: LinkExternal link
by Jeremy Bolwell


(The link above gives a detailed history of this chapel)

New Park Street English Baptist Chapel, Newry Street, Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey
(A confusing name and a silver trowel)
SH2482 : The New Park English Baptist Chapel, Newry Street by Eric Jones

The following information has been extracted from the church’s website.

The origin of this chapel dates back to the mid nineteenth century when a number of workers and their families came to Holyhead to help with the construction of the Holyhead Harbour  Breakwater. However, being unable to understand the services at Bethel Welsh Baptist Chapel, they planned for the building of an English Baptist Chapel with the help and support of the congregation of the Welsh Chapel. Mr Charles Rigby, who was the contractor for the building of the breakwater, took a great interest in the Baptist cause and gave his full support and designed the new chapel.



The famous Victorian preacher, Rev Charles Haddon Spurgeon, made several visits to Wales in the mid 1800s and preached to thousands of people. These visits were at the request of local Baptist congregations in order to raise money to help with costs of new buildings. He made a number of visits to South Wales and at least two to North Wales.
On September 6th 1860, he came to Holyhead to conduct services and lay the foundation stone for this chapel. Two services were held in a marquee seating 4000 people in a nearby park. The inscribed silver trowel used for this ceremony was presented to Mr Spurgeon. Later, in 1908, the trowel was sent back to the chapel where it is now on display.
The name of the chapel is ‘New Park Street’ which, confusingly, is not where it is situated. It was named after the church in London where Spurgeon was minister in the 1860s.

Horeb Welsh Baptist Chapel, Blaenavon, Torfaen - rebuilt in 1862
SO2508 : Horeb Baptist Church, Blaenavon by David P Howard

It is Grade ll listed as its group value with neighbouring listed items on Church Road.

(Select the picture for a detailed history of the Baptist’s in Blaenavon)



Hill Park Baptist Chapel, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire - replacement 1888
SM9515 : Hill Park Baptist chapel by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
At the foot of Prendergast Hill. The cream-coloured building, now the vestry, was the original chapel erected in 1858 to serve the Welsh speaking community of Prendergast. In 1888 the larger replacement, side on to the road was built, possibly to house a larger congregation following the end of monolingual services in 1880.
The chapel stands on one of the busy roundabouts of Haverfordwest's deplorable road system.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff


KML

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