one of London’s oLdest weLsh chapeLs is up for a southwark bLue pLaque - vote now!

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk

A ChApel in Borough, which hosts a ‘thriving’ community of worshippers and is known as the ‘mother chapel’ of the welsh congregationalists in london, has been nominated for a blue plaque.

The Borough Welsh Chapel on Southwark Bridge Road, was built in 1872 but its congregation came long before that (1774) making it one of the oldest Welsh churches in London.

Architecturally, it is a Grade II listed building, a very rare example of a Welsh chapel interior and unusually for London Welsh chapels it has buildings attached to it and owned by the chapel. This year it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Often called the mother chapel of the Welsh congregationalists in London, it is much more than a place of worship for many.

Most notably, their loyal commitment was tested during the years following Rev Dr

Ifor M Edwards’s retirement after 32 years, when they were without a permanent minister. A spokesperson said: “During this time we were fortunate in having the services of many ministers and occasionally the Chapel members put together a service themselves.”

Along with its thriving community of worshippers, the chapel is home to resident choirs including the mixed voice choir Borough Welsh Choir and the male voice choir Eschoir which both perform internationally.

It hosts lots of groups (theatre companies, dancers, craft workshops, yoga classes) who hire its facilities, and it regularly stages concerts and events raising money for charity. The charities include those affected by the Borough Market and London Bridge attacks and more recently Ukraine and the Missing People charity.

Having recently refurbished its hall, they host regular evening events and offer private hire in the Chapel and the hall downstairs.

For the past nineteen years the News is proud to have been one of the founders of the Blue Plaque scheme here in Southwark and nominations are now open for next year.

The scheme, in partnership with Southwark Heritage Association and the council, now has well over 50 blue plaques across the borough.

To vote for Borough Welsh Chapel or any of the nominees for a Southwark Blue Plaque, please email isabel@southwarknews.co.uk or admin@southwark.org.uk with the name of the person you want to nominate. Voting closes on Thursday 1st June.