Chapel at Aberclydach and surrounding cemetery wall

Cadw's description

Location

On the S slope of Cwm Clydach, W of the hamlet of Aberclydach, opposite the Quarryworkers Cottages.

History

Chapel built 1762, extended 1856 and rebuilt 1876, including addition of porch; other alterations show in masonry of E gable end. Plaque in wall records Howell Williams of Berthllwyd Fawr as principal founder of the chapel and burial ground, died 1766. His descendant Howell Williams of Mount Place Brecon granted extension of land for the burial ground, wall and schoolroom - the added W bay - in 1856. The chapel served the Independent Cause in the Caerfanell valley extending to the remote Glyn Collwn.

Exterior

Small chapel and added schoolroom. Built of stone rubble partly rendered with Welsh slate roof, overhanging boarded eaves, axial stone stack NE, ridge ventilator; roadside wall battered. Two bay chapel, with rear added schoolroom bay with access at first floor level via granary-type steps. Chapel windows are round headed with radial glazed heads, 2 on each side, schoolroom window is an 8/8 pane sash. Porch added on S side has bell over. The rubble wall has flat coping and gateway by chapel with wide wrought iron gate with spear finials and single stone jambs; at the junction between original cemetery and mid C19 expansion is the large dedication plaque in an ashlar surround. The wall encloses a cemetery of exceptional quality containing as well as a group of chest tombs separately listed a substantial number of very well carved and lettered C18 and C19 headstones.

Interior

Reputedly schoolroom interior window could be opened to allow it to be used as a gallery for the chapel.

Reason for designation

Listed as a traditional country chapel, remodelled in C19, surrounded by a cemetery of great interest and quality.