History

The chapel of Blaenwaun was founded in 1706, the present chapel rebuilt in 1885. It is not known when the Baptismal Pool was established in this location, but the location of the chapel on the hill top and at some distance from the nearest water-supply may suggest a long history for a pool at this detached site. The present pool is dated 1922, but this is a reconstruction of an earlier structure.

Exterior

Substantial baptismal pool, sunk into the ground over the course of a stream, and surrounded by tiered seating, giving the whole an amphi-theatre-like appearance. Brick and concrete (replacing or encasing an earlier stone structure). The concrete-floored pool is flanked to the north by four-tiered arcs of seating, and to the south by a wider 6-tier curving span; steps lead in to and out from the pool to west and east. Above the western (entrance) steps, a boulder incorporated into the structure served as a pulpit for the preacher.

Reasons for Listing

Listed for its historic interest as a highly unusual baptismal pool, engineered and built on an ambitious scale. Unusual by virtue of its scale, but also for being located at some distance from its parent chapel, it is remarkable testimony to the strength of the Baptist tradition in this area.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q29506942

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Gloucestershire 1: The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Pt. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
• 
  Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and The Forest of Dean: Vale and Forest of Dean Pt. 2 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)