Mynydd Seion

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Listed as a distinctive and well-preserved chapel by a notable chapel architect. History: The Calvinistic Methodist chapel was rebuilt in 1867-8 at the instigation of Y Parch William Roberts to replace the earlier smaller chapel of 1791 close to the same site. The present building was designed by Richard Owens, chapel architect of Liverpool, at the expense of David Roberts, timber merchant of Liverpool, and developer in Abergele, and cost 1803 15s ( 1,803.75p). Richard Owens was employed as surveyor to David Roberts, whose offices in Liverpool he planned; he is best known as one of the most prolific chapel architects having designed over 250. This chapel now serves the Welsh Presbyterian community. Exterior: Early Gothic style. Built of rock-faced black basaltic stone, probably from Penmaenmawr, with sharply contrasting Bath oolitic limestone dressings, and a slate roof. The main S front has a gabled central section with 3 close-set Gothic 2-light windows, a roundel in the apex, and lean-to narthex-porch, gabled over the central moulded doorcase, which is angled at the head. Buttresses at either side of the door rise as pinnacles, and triple windows each side with pierced balustrade over. The central section is extended each side as 2-storey stair wings; similar 2-light windows with quatrefoil heads, the upper windows gabled. The E side, facing Chapel Street, has three 2-light windows beyond the stair wing, separated by buttresses, and gabled transepts at the N end, having triple tall lancets with quatrefoil heads and a gable oculus. The N end terminates in a polygonal apse with a hipped roof, and almost detached, a vestry set at right angles under a separate roof. Interior: The main body of the chapel is of 4 bays, slightly tapering to the N, be

From Cadw under OGL v3.