It is situated in the Sirhowy valley, 3 miles (4.8 km) East of Blackwood.

It is contiguous with, if not completely encompassed by, the larger village of Oakdale, which forms most of the community urban area.

It was started by Henry Walter, who had been curate of Mynyddislwyn and, later, vicar of St. Woolos Newport.

In 1618, King James issued the "Book of Sports", which relaxed the previous attitudes to Sunday amusements, and set out which times were to be allowed on the Sabbath.

Many clergymen refused to obey, including Henry Walter, who was dismissed from his position in the Church.

It was rebuilt in 1828, renovated in 1888, and is the second oldest existing Independent Chapel in Wales.