A significant fire has destroyed a historic Grade II listed chapel in a Welsh village. The fire broke out at Capel y Pil in North Cornelly, Bridgend, on Friday night. Photographs taken at the scene depict the building engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading throughout the interior and rising from the chapel’s roof. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the incident and responded to the fire on Ffordd yr Eglwys, North Cornelly, on Friday.
While the fire service is yet to determine the cause of the blaze, they have initiated an investigation into the incident. The disused chapel, which was sold at auction for £78,000 in 2022, dates back to around 1876, making it one of the oldest structures in the area. Having obtained Grade II listed status, the chapel held significant historical value and had served as a place of worship for many generations of Sunday worshippers.
Residents reported that the fire began shortly after 7.30pm on Friday and was brought under control by 9pm. The fire service advised people to stay clear of the vicinity and urged nearby residents to keep their windows and doors shut. As the investigation progresses, authorities will work to establish the origin of the fire and assess the extent of the damage caused to the chapel.
For the latest news from Bridgend, interested individuals can subscribe to the newsletter for updates. The community is left to reflect on the loss of a cherished piece of local heritage, as efforts continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the devastating fire that ravaged the historic Welsh chapel.