Building record MLI50433 - Pelham Mausoleum, Great Limber

Summary

A commemorative mausoleum dedicated to Sophia Aufrere and members of the Pelham family. Construction started in 1787, with the monument thought to be complete by 1792.

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Full Description

A commemorative mausoleum dedicated to Sophia Aufrere and members of the Pelham family. Construction started in 1787, with the monument thought to be complete by 1792. Pevsner describes it as 'A majestic mausoleum, undoubtedly Wyatt's masterpiece. It commemorates the beloved Sophia Aufrere, who died as a young wife in 1786. Wyatt may by this time have been working at Brocklesby. In any case he began the mausoleum almost immediately, and it was completed by 1792'. The mausoleum was sited on top of a low mound, which was discovered to be the remains of a round barrow of Roman or Anglo-Saxon date (see MLI50431). Pevsner continues his description to say it is 'encircled by bold iron railings punctuated in twelve places by wonderfully crisp Neo-Classical sarcophagi, each with pediments, swags and rams' heads. Within the railings is a deep fosse with the mausoleum rising from the central area. This is Wyatt's interpretation of the temples of Vesta at Tivoli and Rome. The rusticated basement has arched openings with grilles and sarcophogi carved in shallow relief. Upon this podium stands the main cella, surrounded by twelve fluted roman doric columns. The wall of the cella is articulated with big niches containing more sarcophogi. It is a lesson in vibrant Neo-Classicality, and nothing more so than the frieze of swags and bucrania. Above this frieze is the balustrade, the flattish dome, and a circular S-fluted lantern. From the north side an intricate arrangement of stairs leads down into the fosse and up to the gigantic doors of the mausoleum. These open to reveal the lavish spectacle of the interior. The plan is a chamfered Greek cross with pairs of imitation porphyry Corinthian columns at the angles supporting a richly coffered dome. In the lantern, the glass is painted by Francis Egington. A cool diffused light illuminates the raison d'etre of the mausoleum: the figure of Sophia carved by Joseph Nollekens about 1791. It is a very poignant and moving figure. Sophia's pedestal reflects the twist of the outside lantern. It is set in a pavement with a radiating pattern of inlaid marbles and brass, and surrounded by a splendid brass rail. In three recesses are family monuments of members of the Pelham family. They were made in Italy in the late 1760s, and therefore they predate the mausoleum and must have influenced the scale, if not the design of the interior. There is William Pelham, who died in 1587, with a more than demi-nude female allegorical figure, a peacock, and a putto; Charles Pelham, with a semi-reclining female figure on a sarcophagus holding his portrait; and Francis Anderson with putti and a shield. Below the outer stairs is the discreet inscription to James Wyatt Esq Archt'. For the full description and the legal address of this listed building please refer to the appropriate List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. {1}{2}{3}{4}{5}{6}{7} A condition survey of the Pelham Mausoleum was conducted in October 2016, to inform the site's future management and preservation. The monument was found to be in visually good condition, although was suffering some ongoing and progressive problems caused by iron cramp damage and poor drainage to the roof. {8} Features associated with the construction of the Mausoleum were recorded in July 2020, during archaeological monitoring of trial excavations dug to inform proposed repair works. The investigation exposed parts of the brick foundation deposits and a number of brick and stone lined drains, all likely dating from the late 18th century. No archaeological deposits or finds pre-dating the construction of the Mauseolum were encountered. {9}{10}

Sources/Archives (10)

  •  Index: Ordnance Survey. Ordnance Survey Card Index. TA 10 NW: 1.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: Thomas Allen. 1834. The History of the County of Lincoln, From the Earliest Period to the Present Time. vol.2, p.230.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: Harold E. Dudley. 1949. Early Days in North-West Lincolnshire, A Regional Archaeology. pp.84-5.
  •  Index: Department of the Environment. 1985. List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. 5/104.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: Nikolaus Pevsner and John Harris, with Nicholas Antram. 1989. Buildings of England: Lincolnshire (Second Edition). pp.190-1, plates.106-7.
  •  Bibliographic Reference: William White. 1856. History, Gazetteer and Directory of Lincolnshire (Second Edition). pp.659-60.
  •  Website: The Mausolea & Monuments Trust. 2020->. The Mausolea & Monuments Trust. http://www.mmtrust.org.uk/. Accessed 24/01/2020.
  •  Report: Purcell. 2016. Brocklesby Park Estate Quadrennial Survey: Mausoleum, Wall and Screen. -.
  •  Report: Neville Hall. 2020. Pelham Mauseolum, Brocklesby Estate, Great Limber. NH Site Code: PGML18.
  •  Archive: Neville Hall. 2020. Pelham Mauseolum, Brocklesby Estate, Great Limber. LCNCC 2018.79.

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Location

Grid reference Centred TA 13328 08902 (49m by 50m) Surveyed
Civil Parish GREAT LIMBER, WEST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

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Record last edited

Aug 2 2023 3:53PM

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