Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Bethlehem Independent Chapel
Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, Wales
A Grade II listed building in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, designated on 15 January 1996.
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Religious, Ritual and Funerary
- Date of designation
- 15 January 1996
- Locality
- Rhosllanerchrugog
- Community
- Rhosllanerchrugog
- Unitary authority
- Wrexham
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.01329, -3.06072
- Cadw reference
- 17090
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales
5 historical maps cover this location, the earliest the 1795 map "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Historical maps covering this location
- 1795 · To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most… (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales)
- 1883 · Watershed map England, Wales 3. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1898 · 121 Wrexham (Hills) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1898 · 121 Wrexham (Outline) (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
- 1901 · Sheet 9 and 10. (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries)
Cadw's description
Location
Prominently sited, close to the junction of Hall Street with Mountain Street, at the NW end of the settlement.
History
A re-sited datestone bears the date of 1812, but it seems unlikely that any of the existing building can be dated so early: the main front was however added to an earlier building (possibly of mid C19 date) in 1889.
Exterior
It is clear that the Rundbogenstil front was added to an earlier building: this is visible in each return elevation as a rough rubble wide gabled structure, with 3 camber-headed windows on each floor. The front of 1889 has wide central gable, flanked in a balanced asymmetrical composition, by a clock tower on the left, and a canted stair tower to the right. Rock-faced stone with freestone dressings. Clock tower of 3 stages, with arcaded windows in the lower storeys, the clock set into a blind arcade below the bell-cast spirelet. Recessed central gable has arcade of 3 bays to ground floor, with entrance doors set to either side into the projecting towers. Stepped triple round-arched window with engaged shafts above, with flanking single arched lights, above a balustraded string course. Canted stair tower has stepped round-arched stair windows, and paired windows above, set in squared architraves. Pyramidal roof.
Interior
The body of the chapel is very wide, with a canted gallery running around 3 sides. This is carried on fluted cast-iron shafts. Arched recess for organ enriched with pilasters with capitals, and moulded panels to underside of arch. Organ of 1908, by Norman and Beard. Plain panelled ceiling. Seating renewed c1926 - the set fawr was removed at this time. Curved steps with turned balusters to either side of pulpit, which has balustraded and fretwork panels.
Reason for designation
The chapel is an unusual example of the Rundbogenstil, and a prominent feature of Rhos.
Nearby in the register
- Penuel Baptist ChapelReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Miners' InstituteRecreationalunder 1 mi
- Capel Mawr (Jerusalem Welsh Presbyterian Chapel) with attached school roomReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Llannerchrugog HallDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.