Pen Dref Welsh Independent Chapel, Llanfyllin

Image: © Jeremy Bolwell Taken: 25 Aug 2012

Pen-Dref Congregational Chapel was established originally in 1640 by the preacher Vavasour Powell and the first chapel building dated from 1707. This was subsequently destroyed by an anti-Nonconformist mob and rebuilt at the government’s expense in 1717. A second rebuilding took place in 1829 with the only element incorporated from the earlier chapel being a memorial stone, unusual for a non-conformist chapel as it includes Latin text. Remodelling works took place in the 1890's and a lean-to vestry added during the early twentieth century. The present chapel, dated 1890, is built in the Simple Round-Headed style with a long-wall entry plan. The chapel is constructed from Flemish bond red brick with a slate roof. Of particular note is the extant gallery which is supported on cast-iron piers. The renowned hymn-writer, Ann Griffiths, was converted to Non-Conformism in an outdoor ceremony at this church in 1796. Pen-Dref is now Grade 2 Listed.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0