Tabor Welsh Congregational Chapel

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Listed grade II* as a pair of chapel buildings illustrating changes in chapel architecture from the mid to later C19, both retaining good early character and detail. The chapel of 1879 is a good example of the work of Thomas Thomas with Glorification arch and unspoilt interior with unusual ironwork. History: The Independents (who transferred from Groeswen) first held meetings in a cottage in Maesycwmmer c1827. The first chapel was built in 1829 on land leased from the Gelli-deg estate. A plaque on the wall records this date. The chapel was rebuilt in 1855 at a cost of 512 and was opened in 1856. This building was retained when a new chapel was built in 1876 costing 2,000. The architect was the Rev. Thomas Thomas (Thomas Glandwr) who had developed the so-called "Landore Style" at Swansea, characterised by a central arch breaking up through the pediment, and often called a "Glorification Arch". The feature ultimately derives from Renaissance facades, perhaps borrowing the form and symbolism of Roman triumphal arches; earlier British examples by Wren at Greenwich Hospital, or transept elevations on Great Model of St Paul s Cathedral. The interior ironwork of the 1876 chapel, gilded and painted in imitation of oxidised bronze, appears never to have been repainted. Exterior: Classical-style chapel at right angles to the earlier chapel. Ambitious 3-bay entrance front with "Glorification Arch". Constructed of coursed Pennant sandstone with extensive pale freestone dressings, slate roof, projecting verges and plinth. Four Ionic pilasters on plinths carry an entablature into which breaks a central elliptical arch, under which is an oculus with scrolls with inscriptions "Tabor" & "1876"; a Venetian window with Italianate tracery; and 2 round-arched doorway

From Cadw under OGL v3.