- Nprn: 12093
- Cadw Ref: 24/A/40(1)
- Cadw Record No: 11925
- Summary: Bethel Baptist Chapel was built in 1850 in the Classical style with a gable entry plan. It was the first example of a group of surpisingly sophisticated full classical temple chapel designs, unusual in Wales as whole, almost certainly by architect Henry Rogers, a member of the second generation of local carpenter/architects. The design was also important in establishing the use of distinctive large simple and elegant name and date plaques in the centre of classical pediments. The front three bays, with their windows headed by Italianate Tuscan tracery, are separated by attached flat-profile Tuscan columns (`pilasters'). These are topped by capitals with idiosyncratic fluted ornament, which in subsequent chapels in Llanelli is replaced by plainer and more architecturally correct forms. The central wooden-columned porch was also copied on subsequent Baptist chapels in Llanelli, this one has a distinctive Italianate Balustrade on top. The cast-iron gates and railings are fine examples of the products of local iron foundries, a common feature of chapels in Wales. The seated capacity in 1905 was 850 which meant the chapel was slightly above average size for a Llanelli Chapel, as was the Sunday School provision of 300 places. A chapel house for the caretaker was also provided. Bethel is now Grade 2 Listed.
RCAHMW, May 2011 - Description: The chapel was formed in 1841 and built in 1840; it was enlarged in 1850. In the late C19 the schoolroom was built, and the house and meeting room added in 1898. Built in the Classical style, gable entry type. Status (1998): in chapel use.
Note from the Religious Census of 1851: a Calendar of the Returns Relating to Wales, ed. I G Jones, p.282 "The Chapel is 63 ft long by 41 1/4ft wide. Has 80 seats on the ground floor=440 sittings; gallery 58 seats=290 sittings; total 730 exclusive of standing room in the aisles only for say 100 ; 830".
Well maintained. There seem to be no major problems (information of 14/07/1998 from Gareth Watts).
The church (chapel) was formed in 1841 (1998 "Llawlyfr" of Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru) and built in 1840 (1851 R. Census, date plaque & G. Watts); it was enlarged in 1850 (date plaque & G. Watts). In the late C19 the schoolroom was built (Cadw), and the house and meeting room added in 1898 (G. Watts); the cast-iron gate piers are by J Powell, the Llanelli foundry (Cadw). Status (1998): in chapel use. - Built: 1840 Source:Cadw (plaque)
- Built: 1840 Source:Religious Census
- Built: 1840 Source:Orbach, Julian
- Built: 1840 Source:Watts, Gareth
- Church Formed: 1841 Source:Llawlyfr 1998
- House & Meeting Room: 1898 Source:Watts, Gareth
- Enlarged: 1850 Source:Cadw (plaque)
- Further Works: 1855 Source:Orbach, Julian
- Enlarged: 1850 Source:Watts, Gareth
- Schoolroom Built: 1880A Source:Cadw
- Date Of Chapel: 1850 Source:RCAHMW
- £ 4224: 1905 (RCCEORBWM)
- 850: 1905 Sittings (RCCEORBWM)
- 300: 1905 Accomodation (RCCEORBWM)
- 275: 1851 (Religious Census)
- C100: 1851 Standing in aisles (Religious Census)
- 455: 1851 (Religious Census)
- Chapel: 14/07/1998 (Site visit - Gareth Watts)
- Chapel: 2011 (Denominational website)
- Welsh: 1998 (Llawlyfr)
- Welsh: 14/07/1998 (Site visit - Gareth Watts)
- Materials
- Rendered
- Monument Type: CHAPEL
- Form: Building
- Style: Classical
- Gallery: On three sides
- Plan: Gable Entry
- Pulpit Position: Rear wall
- Window Glazing: Florentine Tracery
- Windows: Tall Round-Headed
Key Details of this Chapel
Key Dates of this Chapel
Costs during this Chapels History
Capacities during this Chapels History
Changes of Status its History
The Languages of the Chapel during its History
Key Characteristics of this Chapel
Images from Coflein
Map
- Grid Reference: SS50399937
- Address: MARINE STREET, SEA SIDE, LLANELLILLANELLI
3 thoughts on “BETHEL WELSH BAPTIST CHURCH (PARTICULAR BAPTIST), MARINE STREET, SEA SIDE, LLANELLI (PARTICULAR BAPTIST)”
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Bethel Baptist Chapel
Hello
My great great grandparents were married in Kinnerton Chapel in Old Radnor on 21st May1850. I have been searching for information on the Chapel, so was pleased to find this website. I have now located it on Google Street View – looks like someone is ‘doing it up’ to live in: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.2612635,-3.1095337,3a,90y,232.95h,84.26t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s-8DWPORkq2RFVNXBLde_-g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i53?hl=en-GB
The marriage record of my ancestors Abraham Bounds and Elizabeth Williams is attached. I hope it is of interest.
All the best
Saira
Dear Sara
Thank you for the information. I am glad to hear that it was some help to you.
Good luck on your continued search
Christine