Capel Brynseion

Capel Brynseion is a large gabled rectangular chapel with a Gothic facade and wings, constructed in the 18th century of rubble stone laid in coursed blocks, with Forest of Dean ashlar dressings and a slate roof. The centre ridge of the roof has a lead base for a lantern. The chapel is distinguished by its coped gable parapets, adorned with obelisk-capped urns at the pediment ends and a foliate finial at the apex. Below the pediment are banded string courses framing a tablet bearing the chapel's name and denomination. Hood moulds feature over the windows, with simple block label stops. The broad, four-light centre window is characterized by a quatrefoil head set within simplified intersecting tracery, flanked by lancets. A double porch with twin gables, also flanked by lancets, is further accentuated by stepped buttresses at the gable ends. The wings are two-storied, featuring angle buttresses and cornice and crenellated parapets, along with small turrets and spires at the outer angles. Double lancets are present on the ground floor, complemented by round trefoil headed windows above. The two-storied side elevations to the east and west are also stone and crenellated, incorporating two lancets on each floor. The north ends form part of the gable wings, and the remaining sides are finished with roughcast render. A large Y-traceried window is centrally positioned, accompanied by a double lancet below.

The interior is grand and features exceptional carpentry work. A double door leads into a broad but narrow lobby, with stairs ascending to galleries at either end. The lobby wall curves, displaying a boarded base and shaped glass panels above doors leading to the main chapel. The main chapel has a deep coved and ribbed ceiling with boarded herringbone panels at the outer margins, alongside an elaborate circular ventilator in the centre and two smaller ventilators to either side. A deep cornice with egg and dart moulding is also present, and the upper gallery windows showcase coloured art nouveau style glass. The gallery is steeply raked and supported by seven cast iron columns with stylised foliage capitals. The gallery front curves, sweeping around the organ loft, and is distinguished by an unusual solid wood front featuring ornate projecting Gothic arched panels alternating with broader recessed sections containing a single large panel below and four small fielded panels above. The pews are close boarded, with shaped ends, simple moulded edging, a double centre block and side blocks. The first three rows of the centre block curve to echo the curve of the deacons' seat, the back of which is panelled with a design mirroring the gallery front. The Gothic pulpit incorporates fielded panels, with a central section that projects forward with quadrant curves set back into the angles. Steps on either side of the pulpit feature panelled newels and turned balusters. The organ is recessed into a giant fluted Gothic arch forming an apse behind the pulpit, and the organ case includes painted pipes by Norman and Beard, dating from 1911. Fine quality painted graining adorns the panelled pulpit and deacons' seat. A large school and meeting room extends to the rear of the building, separated by a large sliding screen comprising ten folding doors, each half-glazed with 18-pane upper windows.