Maesyronnen Chapel
Maesyronnen Chapel | |
---|---|
Location | Glasbury, Powys, Wales |
Coordinates | 52°03′44″N 3°12′09″W / 52.0621°N 3.2025°W |
Built | 1690s |
Architectural style(s) | Vernacular |
Governing body | United Reformed Church |
Listed Building – Grade I | |
Designated | 18 September 1960 |
Reference no. | 8756 |
Maesyronnen Chapel is about 1 mile (2 km) north of the village of Glasbury, Powys, Wales (grid reference SO176410). It is designated by Cadw as a Grade I listed building.[1] The chapel is one of the earliest Nonconformist chapels to be built in Wales, and is the only chapel existing from that time to be largely unchanged and still in use as a chapel.[2] It is currently administered by the United Reformed Church.[3] The attached ccaretaker's cottage is also listed at Grade I.[4]
History
In 1689 the
In 1980 the chapel received a grant for repairs, having been recognised as a building of "outstanding architectural and historic importance" by the
Architecture
Exterior
The plan of the chapel is that of a simple rectangle, measuring about 55 feet (17 m) by 26 feet (8 m). The small house is attached to its western side.[9] It is built in stone, plastered and limewashed. The entrance front faces south and contains two doors, one at the western end, the other towards the eastern end. Between the doors are three mullioned windows with timber frames; there is another window beyond the east door. Over the west door and the most easterly window is a small gable.[14] In the gable over the west door is a sundial.[15]
Interior
The ceiling is barrel-vaulted,[14] and divided into six bays.[15] Much of the 18th-century furniture is still present in the chapel.[8] The interior is dominated by the pulpit, that stands in the middle of the long wall opposite the entrance. Behind it is a window, which both provides light for the preacher, and surrounds him with a "halo".[15] In front of the pulpit is a large table, two benches (which are dated 1728), and another table which is used for communion.[16] The communion table is dated 1727. Also in the church are box pews, and some simple backless benches. On the walls are memorials dating from the early 19th century that include inscriptions in Latin.[8]
Present day
The chapel is used by the United Reformed Church who hold services there every Sunday morning. It is accessible to wheelchair users and there is some limited parking for cars.[3] The attached cottage is administered by the Landmark Trust and is available to be rented for holidays.[14] Both the chapel and the adjoining cottage are listed by Cadw at Grade I.[17][18]
References
Citations
- National Historic Assets of Wales, retrieved 2 April 2019
- ^ Jones 1996, p. 6.
- ^ a b c Brecon Beacons Pastorate: Maesyronnen, United Reformed Church, archived from the original on 12 August 2011, retrieved 8 November 2009
- National Historic Assets of Wales, retrieved 14 November 2022
- ^ Jones 1996, p. 4.
- ^ Jones 1996, pp. 4–5.
- ^ Visiting the House of God, S4C, retrieved 8 November 2009
- ^ a b c d "Maesyronnen Chapel, Glasbury" (PDF), Capel, Local Information Sheet: Glasbury & Hay on Wye, no. 7, The Chapels Heritage Society, pp. 1–2, retrieved 8 November 2009
- ^ a b Jones 1996, p. 7.
- ^ Jones 1996, pp. 6–7.
- ^ Welsh Biography Online, National Library of Wales, retrieved 8 November 2009
- ^ a b "Maesyronnen Chapel". The Landmark Trust. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ Jones 1996, pp. 10–11.
- ^ a b c d e Case study: historic buildings grant — Maesyronnen Chapel, Maesllwch, Glasbury, Powys (PDF), The Welsh Historic Environment: Position Statement 2008, Cadw, p. 15, retrieved 8 November 2009
- ^ a b c Jones 1996, p. 8.
- ^ Jones 1996, p. 9.
- National Historic Assets of Wales, retrieved 2 April 2019
- National Historic Assets of Wales, retrieved 14 November 2022
Sources
- Jones, Anthony (1996) [1984], Welsh Chapels, Alan Sutton, ISBN 0-7509-1162-X