Mynyddbach Chapel

Mynyddbach Chapel is the oldest Independent chapel in Swansea, Wales. It stands in the Treboeth district, north of the city centre and close to Llangyfelach. Today the building works as an arts and culture centre, and its story reaches back to the middle of the 17th century.

How did the chapel begin?

The congregation traces its roots to around 1640. Local people gathered on the Sabbath and on weeknights to read the Scriptures and pray together. They first met at the Cilfwnwr farmhouse near Llangyfelach and later at Tirdwncyn. Over time the group became a properly constituted church and carried on as such until at least 1762.

Samuel Jones served as minister at Tirdwncyn between 1720 and 1759. In 1761 a plot of land was leased, and soon afterwards a chapel went up there, at Tirdoncyn-newydd near Llangyfelach. A community that had worshipped in private homes for more than a century finally had a building of its own.

What does the present building look like?

The current chapel dates from the 1860s. Records give 1867 for the new building, while another account describes a rebuild in 1865 designed by John Humphreys of Treforest. It is a classical-style chapel with its entrance in the gable end, a layout common among Welsh chapels of the period. It was extensively renovated in the 1930s.

Why visit?

• It is the oldest Independent congregation in Swansea, so the site matters for the story of nonconformity in south Wales.
• In 2011 the chapel faced demolition. A local group led by Reverend Grenville Fisher and Melvin John Davies campaigned to save it, and the Calon Lân Centre now occupies the building.
• The bard Gwyrosydd, real name Daniel James, is buried here. He wrote the words of the famous Welsh hymn "Calon Lân".

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mynyddbach Chapel? In Treboeth, Swansea, near Llangyfelach and north of the city centre.

Is it still a working chapel? The building now serves as an arts and culture centre run by the local community that saved it from demolition in 2011.

What is the place known for? It is the oldest Independent chapel in Swansea and the burial place of Gwyrosydd, author of the words to "Calon Lân".

When was the present building constructed? In the 1860s (records mention 1865 or 1867), and it was extensively renovated in the 1930s.

Is it worth combining with other stops? Yes. It suits anyone interested in Welsh religious history, music and literature, especially when exploring the northern districts of Swansea.