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Tabor Congregational Chapel was first built in 1829. It was subsequently rebuilt
in 1856 and again in 1876. The 1876 chapel was designed by architect Thomas Thomas
of Landore and built in the classical style with gable-
Tabor Chapel is now Grade 2 listed due to the good example of Thomas’s work with the Glorification Arch, unspoilt interior and unusual ironwork.
Costing around £2000 to build, the Tabor Chapel now stands in a very poor state since closing the doors for the final time in January 2002
Tabor Chapel…
Visit Date: May 2019
We’ve visited this site a number of times but until recently, it has always been well secured. Clearly with the rise of unemployment within the local area, it has now become victim of the usual thefts that are all to common at derelict buildings.
After a few moments outside photographing this once iconic exterior, it was time to make our way inside.
As we climbed to enter the Tabor Chapel, it became quickly apparent that the building
was beginning to suffer from water damage -
The roof within the initial section is crumbling away, water pours through landing straight onto the wooden floors underneath which has made them very weak in most parts. We found this out the hard way as one of our photographers almost went straight through as we explored this fascinating chapel.
We were a little disappointed when we first glanced inside the now derelict Tabor Chapel. A large part of the property is unsafe to walk on making exploring the chapel a difficult and in some places impossible task. Children’s toys litter the lower floor and all of the stairways are blocked off with a range of toys, wood and other items.
As we carefully climbed down to the lower floor, we opened a door. Expecting to see a small store room or maybe a meeting hall, we were very surprised with what we did in fact discover…
Two chapels were built at this location with the latest being in 1876. The latest was an addition to the 1856 chapel and quickly became the architects most famous work.
Although this part of the chapel was littered with play centre equipment, it still retained its original features and some hidden gems such as an early edition leather bound Welsh Bible, Organ, Pianos, Collection Pots and so much more.
Although this section of Tabor Chapel appears to be of a more sound condition, decay really is hitting the building hard as one of the main windows bows inwards, completely free from the brickwork. Ivy has now penetrated the walls, creeping through any gap possible. We believe it is only a matter of time until nature reclaims this outstanding chapel.
As we began to leave the chapel, we were stopped by a resident neighbour who was hopeful that we were there in the view of buying the decaying building. She told us that the local council began to do some repair work many years ago but haven’t done anything since. The local residents maintain the grounds the best that they can, looking after the many graves, including the very first Reverend of the chapel.
It appears to us that the local residents are desperate for the Tabor Chapel to be renovated and quickly.
You can see all of our images from this location within the gallery below. All of our images are available to purchase in both printed and digital format, for more information, please contact us.
Copyright © 2012 -
All photographs and other media are owned by Beyond The Lens Photography
unless stated otherwise and must not be used for any purpose without prior written
consent.
Beyond The Lens Photography does not condone or encourage trespassing, breaking criminal law or unsafe behaviour. We will not be held responsible for any injuries or deaths that may occur as a result of imitating our work. We will not be held responsible for any damage caused by another person to an unsecured property we have visited, photographed and reported.
No criminal laws are broken by Beyond The Lens Photography. We do not force entry into buildings nor cause any damage.