Penarth Independent Chapel and side railings

Located 2km south of Llanfair Caereinion, on a minor road northeast of Gibbett Hill, is Penarth Independent Chapel with an adjoining house and side railings. The chapel’s history is documented by a stone above the entrance, revealing it was originally built in 1789 for the Independent congregation. It was reworked in 1838, rebuilt in 1847, and restored in 1906, when the attached house was added or substantially rebuilt.

The house has colourwashed brickwork to the front, later roughcast, and a roof covered in slate. It is constructed of hard red Ruabon brick, with one gable chimney stack and a central stack. The chapel itself is rectangular, with a central entrance on the southeast gable, leading to the side of the main chapel room. A pair of doors with a four-paned overlight are set within a fluted doorcase and panelled reveal. These replaced an earlier blocked door to the left. The southwest elevation features six three-light windows with pointed lights; the spandrels contain flashed glass. Two of the windows are placed beneath the eaves, with the others positioned below, creating a symmetrical facade. The two central windows are larger, incorporating double transoms at mid-height to flank the pulpit internally. The attached house to the northwest is two storeys high and has a two-unit plan. A porch has been added over a later door against the chapel wall, and a second, boarded door is near the northwest end. The house has paned timber windows.

The chapel interior appears to date largely from 1906, though the gallery structure may be from 1847. The walls are plastered, and the ceiling features diagonally set boarding with ceiling vents at the intersection of the panel ribs. The pulpit, positioned high against a panelled and gabled backboard centrally located on the southwest wall, is cantilevered with a balustraded front. Brass gas lights with globes are situated at the front corners. A "sedd fawr" (important seat) below also has close-set balustrading on the top of the enclosing panelling. Raked seating occupies the main body of the chapel, with pews numbered 1 to 27. The three-sided gallery contains pews numbered 28 to 45; the gallery is splayed at the angles, has a panelled front, and is supported by seven cast iron tapered columns.

The chapel is listed as a well-preserved country chapel with a fine interior from the early 20th century, and includes its adjoining Minister's house.