The Chapel of Ease is the oldest building in the Dulais Valley, erected by Cistercian Monks from Neath Abbey in the 13th century. The body of a monk was discovered under the western porch. A poignant grave inscribed “not to be opened” holds two little brothers, who died of contagious illness in 1837 and 1843.

Please see the Galleries page for larger pictures and more information about the Chapels and Churches.

St Margaret’s Church built in 1910 is known for its remarkable stained glass windows. They were commissioned over a period between 1951 and 1966 by different groups of people from the village. The designer was a Howard Martin of Celtic Studios. For more information see ‘The Secret of the Dulais Valley. The Stained Glass Windows in St Margaret’s, Crynant’ in Morgannwg, 1993.

Now a private house, there had been an alehouse here since at least 1760, when the landlord was charged with keeping ‘a common ill-governed and disorderly house’ and allowing ‘evil’ persons to come together for ‘drinking’ and ‘fighting of cocks’!

This row of terraced cottages was the first street in the village, built next to Maes Mawr Colliery, the first mine at Crynant, which opened in 1874.

 

Bethel Chapel

A Wesleyan Methodist Chapel built between 1921 and 1933, situated on School Road.

 

Saron Chapel

Saron Chapel is an Independent Chapel built in 1904.