Williams Pantycelyn Memorial Chapel, Llandovery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Williams Pantycelyn Memorial Chapel |
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Location | 4 Stryd y Bont, Llandovery |
Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
Denomination | Calvinistic Methodist |
History | |
Founded | 1886–1888 |
Architecture | |
Heritage designation | Grade II* |
Designated | 2 January 2000 |
Architectural type | Chapel |
Style | Gothic |
The Williams Pantycelyn Memorial Chapel is a special church building for Calvinistic Methodists in Llandovery, a town in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It was built a long time ago, between 1886 and 1888. This chapel was made to remember a very important Welsh writer named William Williams Pantycelyn, who wrote many famous hymns. You can find it at 4 Stryd y Bont in Llandovery.
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What is the Williams Pantycelyn Chapel?
The Williams Pantycelyn Memorial Chapel is a beautiful and historic building. It was named after William Williams Pantycelyn, who lived in the 1700s. He was a famous Welsh preacher and hymn writer. Many people consider him one of the greatest hymn writers in the Welsh language.
Building the Chapel
The chapel was built between 1886 and 1888. People from all over the country helped raise money for it. They collected £3000, which was a lot of money back then! The building is made in a style called Gothic. It uses grey sandstone for the main walls and green Quarella stone from Bridgend for the decorative parts.
Outside the Chapel
The front of the chapel has three main sections. It features tall, pointed decorations called pinnacled pilasters. The windows are also very detailed with fancy stone patterns called tracery.
Inside the Chapel
When you go inside, you'll see a very high ceiling. It has a special design called a hammer beam roof. There's also a rounded area at the end called an apse, with a large arch leading to it. The pulpit, where the preacher stands, is made of a light-colored stone called Caen stone. It has carvings of Bible stories and words from Williams Pantycelyn's hymns.
The main window is especially beautiful. It has amazing stained glass that shows pictures of important figures like David, Isaiah, Miriam, and Matthew. This stained glass was put in by a company called Bell of Bristol in 1887.
Protecting the Chapel's History
The Williams Pantycelyn Memorial Chapel is a very important building. On January 2, 2000, it was given a special status. It became a listed building with a Grade II* rating. This means it's a particularly important building. It's recognized for being a very detailed Gothic chapel. It was designed by a leading architect from Cardiff. The inside is also special, with its carved pulpit and stained glass. Its history as a memorial to William Williams Pantycelyn makes it even more significant.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales helps look after the chapel's records. They keep digital photos, old postcards, and other historical items. These records help us learn more about the chapel's past.