Sunlight glints off pink granite. This is the Kilmorey Mausoleum. It stands as a testament to enduring love. Not just any love but that of an Earl for his mistress.
The 2nd Earl of Kilmorey commissioned this Egyptian-style mausoleum. He intended it as a final resting place for Priscilla Anne Hoste. She was his beloved mistress. The year was the 1850s. The cost was a staggering £30,000.
Henry Edward Kendall Jr designed this unique structure. Notice the pink and grey granite. Admire the bronze door. It is a fine example of Egyptian Revival architecture.
Priscilla died of heart disease in 1854. Her inscription reads: “Priscilla, the beloved of Francis Jack, Earl of Kilmorey.” She was laid to rest here.
The Earl joined her in 1880. He lived to the ripe old age of 92. A white marble bas-relief commemorates them. Lawrence Macdonald of Rome created it. It shows Priscilla on her deathbed. The Earl and their son Charles are at her side.
Originally, the Kilmorey Mausoleum stood in Brompton Cemetery. It moved twice before reaching this spot. First, it went to Woburn Park. Then, it arrived here in St Margarets around 1868.
Rumor has it that the Earl used a secret tunnel. He would lie in his coffin. Servants wheeled him to the Kilmorey Mausoleum. This bizarre ritual was a rehearsal for his actual funeral.
Take a closer look at the cast iron railings. They contrast with the Egyptian style. They are Gothic Revival.
The Kilmorey Mausoleum faced neglect. Roof leaks and damaged railings threatened its existence. Thankfully, volunteers stepped in. They work with Habitats & Heritage. They also get support from Richmond upon Thames Council and English Heritage.
Inside, the Kilmorey Mausoleum is equally impressive. Pink and grey granite line the walls. Two lead-lapped coffins rest on a granite shelf. Look for the skylight stars. They project onto the coffins at certain times.
The grounds were given to Hounslow Borough Council in 1936. Access had to be maintained. Boundary changes shifted responsibility to Richmond upon Thames.
The Kilmorey Mausoleum is Grade II* listed. It was once on Historic England’s At Risk Register. Restoration work has since removed it from the list.
The story of the Kilmorey Mausoleum is one of love and dedication. It showcases architectural beauty. It reminds us that even in death, bonds can endure. It stands today, a monument to a unique and lasting relationship. A testament of love.