A large fire has devastated a historic Grade II listed chapel in a Welsh village. Firefighters rushed to the scene at Capel y Pil in North Cornelly, Bridgend, on Friday night. Dramatic images from the incident show the chapel engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading throughout the building, including the roof. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to the emergency on Ffordd yr Eglwys and advised people to steer clear of the area. Residents nearby were cautioned to keep doors and windows shut as a precaution.
The fire reportedly broke out shortly after 7.30 pm and was brought under control around 9 pm. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the fire service. Capel y Pil, a disused chapel that was sold at auction in 2022 for £78,000, was constructed nearly 150 years ago in 1876 and holds significant historical value as one of the oldest buildings in the region. Having obtained Grade II listed status, the chapel had once welcomed worshippers for generations on Sundays. Further updates on this incident are available through the newsletter for Bridgend news.
The local community mourns the loss of this cherished landmark, now devastated by flames. As the investigation into the fire’s origin progresses, the memories within the chapel’s walls endure, symbolising a rich history that transcends time.