Valleys chapel where Wales' most famous song was written for sale for less than £50k

Wales Online

22-05-2025

Valleys chapel where Wales' most famous song was written for sale for less than £50k
It's got an incredible and unique history but is now looking for a new owner
Historic Grade II listed chapel on the market
(Image: Glanmor Chartered Surveyors, Swansea )
A Grade II listed chapel and vestry building steeped in Welsh history has gone on the market for £47,500 including the graveyard and the remarkable interior.
Capel Rhondda is located in Hopkinstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf and has welcomed the congregation since the present building was constructed in 1885 on the site of the first Rhondda Baptist Chapel said to have been built in 1852. The adjoining Sunday school building was erected in 1905.
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The chapel was Grade II listed by Cadw in 2001 for its 'architectural interest as a late 19th century chapel in a prominent location retaining its original character' and, according to the listing, it is where composer John Hughes, of Llantwit Fardre, wrote the well-known hymn 'Cwm Rhondda' for an anniversary service at the chapel in 1907. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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The sale comes with all the internal fixtures and fittings
(Image: Glanmor Chartered Surveyors, Swansea )
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From the outside the classical-style chapel boasts an imposing and handsome stone snecked façade, rock-faced stone, lighter freestone dressings, and slate roof. Inside, the chapel has so much of its original character and features remaining, all of which will be included in the sale, say the vendors.
The Cadw listing details many of these features including the coloured-glass panel opposite the main door and half-lit doors to the main chapel in the vestry, the fluted cast iron columns with foliage capitals and a boarded gallery front, plus the boarded panel ceiling that has a central ornate ceiling rose.
The organ was built by renowned firm of organ builders Blackett & Howden and is very impressive
(Image: Glanmor Chartered Surveyors, Swansea )
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The pews are still in place too but arguably it's the organ that is the most breathtaking item inside this historical chapel and surely where the first public performance of Cwm Rhondda occurred. The organ was made by the renowned firm of organ builders Blackett & Howden, according to Cadw.
In more detail, the accommodation comprises an entrance lobby which leads into the main congregation area. The two staircases which provide access to the upper balcony can be accessed from their own entrance doors or via the congregation room.
The adjoining vestry can be accessed via its own entrance or through an internal interconnecting door. Internally, the vestry floor is in a state of disrepair and part of the building is inaccessible due to this.
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Vestry and graveyard included in the sale
(Image: Glanmor Chartered Surveyors, Swansea )
The accommodation within the vestry building comprises a main congregational space, with toilet and kitchen facilities, found within a single-storey extension at the rear. It is understood that there is mains electricity, water, gas and sewage to the property, however these services have not been tested.
The sale of the site includes the graveyard that wraps around the building to the left and rear and to the right the vestry is attached to residential buildings that line the road. The new owner of the chapel will be required to allow access to the graveyard for the public to visit graves and to also maintain the area.
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Inside the vestry including the floor that needs attention
(Image: Glanmor Chartered Surveyors, Swansea )
A spokesman for The Baptist Union of Wales said: "The union is sad to have had to close the chapel and we are thankful for all that has been done there over the years.
"Until recently it was a very active church but unfortunately attendance numbers have declined and the buildings have started to deteriorate. It's a decision not taken lightly, but the vestry in particular is in a very poor state of repair and can't be used.
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"At the end of last year we looked at different options for uses for the building but could not find anything suitable - there was no other available option than to put it on the market. It's such a shame but the building needs some investment and we hope we will find an appropriate buyer and a new lease of life to this historic building that has served the community so well."
Any potential future plans for the chapel and/or the vestry will, of course, need to secure planning permission and listed building consent.
The property is available freehold with vacant possession and is for sale via private treaty with Glanmor Chartered Surveyors, Swansea, who have been instructed to seek offers in the region of £47,500, for more details call 01792 439105.
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