The baptismal pool is located 'over the stream on the west side of the lane that leads up the Waun valley to Blaenwaun Baptist chapel, 1km approx. from the town, and about 0.5km north of the chapel. In an enclosure entered by scrolled wrought iron gates.' Cadw describe its appearance as: 'Substantial baptismal pool, sunk into the ground over the course of a stream, and surrounded by tiered seating, giving the whole an amphi-theatre-like appearance. Brick and concrete (replacing or encasing an earlier stone structure). The concrete-floored pool is flanked to the north by four-tiered arcs of seating, and to the south by a wider 6-tier curving span; steps lead in to and out from the pool to west and east. Above the western (entrance) steps, a boulder incorporated into the structure served as a pulpit for the preacher.'
According to Cadw, 'It is not known when the Baptismal Pool was established in this location, but the location of the chapel on the hill top and at some distance from the nearest water-supply may suggest a long history for a pool at this detached site. The present pool is dated 1922, but this is a reconstruction of an earlier structure.' It is 'listed for its historic interest as a highly unusual baptismal pool, engineered and built on an ambitious scale. Unusual by virtue of its scale, but also for being located at some distance from its parent chapel, it is remarkable testimony to the strength of the Baptist tradition in this area.'
Source: Cadw listed buildings report, reference number 85294
RCAHMW, May 2023