Images of Wales

Gwrhyd Chapel, Cefn Gwrhyd
Glamorgan

Photography by John Ball - 14 November 1998
(with Agfa ePhoto307 digital camera)

High on the uplands of Cefn Gwrhyd stands the lonely and isolated Gwrhyd Welsh Independent Chapel. It was built in 1856 at a cost of £350. This exposed site was chosen because in the 1850s, it was central for rural chapel-goers who came from the surrounding farms on horseback or on foot. In November 1998, I visited the chapel graveyard almost daily to complete a survey of monumental inscriptions for the Glamorgan Family History Society.

Above: The chapel reflected in the late afternoon sunshine.

Above: Alongside the chapel is what was once the schoolhouse.

Above: The chapel is surrounded by a small graveyard containing about 150 graves.

Above: The bleak upland landscape of Cefn Gwrhyd on which the chapel is situated.

Above and below: The graveyard.

Above: The graveyard is bordered by a dry-stone wall and some stunted and
windblown trees and bushes.

Above: The lonely approach road to the chapel disappears south-westwards
towards the setting sun.

Above: "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them....."