Salem Independent Chapel, Llandovery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salem Independent Chapel, Llandovery |
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| Location | Orchard Street, Llandovery |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Independent chapel |
| History | |
| Founded | 1836 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 26 February 1981 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
The Salem Independent Chapel is a special church building in the town of Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It's called an "Independent chapel" because it belongs to a Christian group that runs itself, without a main church leader like a bishop. This chapel is located on Orchard Street in Llandovery. The building you see today was mostly built between 1829 and 1830.
On February 26, 1981, the Salem Independent Chapel was given a special title: a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building that needs to be protected because of its special design and history.
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The Chapel's Design and History
The Salem Independent Chapel was first built between 1829 and 1830. Later, in the 1870s, it got some big updates and changes.
Outside the Chapel
The front of the chapel has two floors. It stands on a slightly raised base and has special corner stones called quoins. The front has three sections, or "bays," and a unique roof shape that looks like a pyramid with a flat front edge.
The windows have decorative pillars next to them and rounded tops. On the top floor, there are three windows. On the ground floor, there's one window in the middle with two doors, one on each side.
Inside the Chapel
The inside of the chapel is shaped like a rectangle. It has a single balcony, or "gallery," that goes around the room. This gallery has pillars that divide its long panels. The pulpit, which is where the speaker stands, has a grand, curving staircase. Both the gallery and the pulpit were added around 1870. They were designed in the style of a famous architect named Thomas Thomas.
The organ gallery, where the church organ is located, was added in 1937. The organ itself was made by a company called Conacher.
Why Salem Chapel is Important
The Salem Independent Chapel became a Grade II listed building on February 26, 1981. It earned this title because it's a great example of a large chapel from 1829 with a pyramid-shaped roof. Its special details, both inside and out, from the 1870s also make it very unique.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales helps to keep records about this chapel. These records include old photographs, postcards, and detailed descriptions. They help us learn more about the chapel's history and its design.
