Salem Welsh Baptist Chapel

The Salem Welsh Baptist Chapel, built in 1872, is a remarkably well-preserved example of a nonconformist place of worship. It is constructed of rock-faced rubble with limestone dressings. The front features a portico with tapered Tuscan pilasters that define a wide central entrance bay and narrower side bays, all rising to an entablature and pediment. The frieze is inscribed "SALEM ADDOLDY Y BEDYDDWYR A ADEILADWYD 1872." A pierced circular vent is set in the pediment. The central entrance is framed by a round-headed arch enhanced with egg and dart mouldings, possibly altered around 1908, and contains a pair of renewed doors. The front has two tiers of paired round-headed windows with keyed architraves, each keystone vermiculated. Plinth blocks are present, and an inscribed foundation stone lies below the left pilaster. The side elevations feature five similar paired round-headed windows on two levels, and larger windows to the vestry located below the main chapel floor. Gable terminals top the building. A low coped stone wall with cast iron railings, piers, and gates, added shortly after completion, defines the front area along the street.

The interior is remarkably well-preserved in its original state. A raked gallery extends around three sides, semicircular at the west (entrance) end, supported by cast iron columns and featuring a bellied and partly gilded cast iron balustrade with a palmette design. The pulpit, located on the east wall, is raised behind a moulded classical arch on fluted pilasters, decorated with stylized painted lilies and an inscription in the tympanum and approached by five steps on each side, connected to a semicircular ‘set fawr’ enclosure with surrounding seats and a semicircular table. A curved baptistery with steps and a hinged, inscribed cover is situated below the main floor, defined by a moulded timber rail on decorative iron stanchions. Pews are arranged in three blocks, separated by gangways, with rosewood mahogany frames and pine panels. The ceiling is panelled with moulded ribs and displays a very fine example of original stencilled decorations. Original oil lamps, some with glass cylinder diffusers, are mounted on wall brackets, with two positioned over the pulpit. Behind the pulpit wall, a wide cross corridor provides access to three small meeting rooms. Below the chapel is a large vestry featuring iron columns and a proscenium arch.