Hyfrydle Chapel (including Forecourt Gates and Railings)

Cadw's description

Location

In prominent position near top of Thomas Street, on corner of Ucheldre Avenue. Behind forecourt with stone piers and iron gates and railings (from Blackbridge Foundry, Holyhead) dated 1888.

History

Large chapel of 1886-88; builder William Williams and Son, of Tan Yr Efail, cost £3,511.

Exterior

Cement rendered elevations (front painted), shallow cement architraves to doors and windows, slate roofs. Gabled entrance front faces road. Arcaded panelling in gable apex; central group of three round-arched windows; glory arch over. Advanced outer bays with balustraded parapet; paired round-arched first floor windows; pair square headed ground floor windows. Two pedimented shall porches; round arched entrance doorways, panelled 2-leaf doors. Three windows between porches. Side elevations of five bays, round arches to upper windows, square heads to ground floor, horned sash glazing with marginal bars.

To rear, at right angles, attached 2-storey schoolroom block. Gable to Ucheldre Chapel has chapel name in apex, and 3 windows to each floor; 5 windows to side elevation.

Interior

Good interior. Pine box pews. Balcony on 3 sides supported by classical fluted Corinthian columns, inlaid panels to balcony front, pine seating on balcony. Flat ceiling with elaborate central plaster rose surrounded by ring of smaller roses; panelling with ribs and more roses. Moulded architraves to windows. Fine set fawr enclosure; steps (turned newels and balusters, some inlaid) up to pulpit with birdseye maple panelling and small columns. To rear of set fawr, organ pipecase; console at ground level in front of set fawr. Rear block has first floor schoolroom and ground floor service rooms.

Reason for designation

Included for contribution to townscape in conservation area, and impressive interior.

Group value.