Glendower Street Congregational Church

Glendower House stands on Glendower Street in Monmouth, a Victorian former Congregational chapel built in Classical style. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales calls it one of the earliest Italianate chapels in Wales. It takes its name from Owain Glyndŵr, the Welsh leader. The building was constructed in 1843–44 to designs by Bristol architect William Armstrong. Its façade features giant Corinthian columns and memorial windows in stained glass by the Camm Brothers of Smethwick. The congregation had worshipped earlier at Dixton Gate and Dyffryn House before moving to Glendower Street. They were a prosperous group active in town life, including the eisteddfod. After decades of use the chapel fell into near-dereliction. In 2002 it was converted into a private house by owner Anthony Sully. Cadw provided a substantial grant for the work, which Sully designed himself. The project won a Civic Trust for Wales award in 2003–04 and featured on three UK television programmes. Visitors find an impressive neoclassical façade with giant Corinthian columns in antis. The central bay is framed by these columns, giving a strong classical presence. Inside, the stained-glass memorial windows by the Camm Brothers remain a notable feature. The building’s Grade II* listing recognises its architectural importance. Its conversion has preserved the chapel’s character while adapting it for modern use. The street setting keeps the building close to Monmouth’s centre.