This is what greeted after a mile of walking, The Darnley Mausoleum sat out on a mound on the top of the hill overlooking the Darnley Estate.
The Earls of Darnley had been buried in Westminster Abbey which was full so the third Earl left instructions in his will for the erection of the Mausoleum for their interment.
The fourth Earl had it designed and built for the sum of £9,000 in 1786 it was completed.
Inside is the reconstructed ceiling which unfortunately came down due to it not drying out properly.
It was never used as possibly it was a dispute with the Bishop of Rochester that it was not consecrated.
The building has an interesting past and well worth a read, click the link.
Views of the magnificent ceiling and windows.
Next time I will explore the crypt below, thanks for looking.
Luv, Mike
What a lovely building, the ceiling is beautiful, pity it was never used. So the long walk was worth doing.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the next instalment. Mrs Egg.
Thanks will also tell you all about the dead trees. The link makes interesting reading.
DeleteI remember walking out there in the late 1960's early 70's from a friends house in Strood. It was derelict with a lot more trees nearby at the time and very spooky.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating building...so very beautiful inside ! I shall look forward to the 'spooky ' crypt !
ReplyDeleteFabulous weather Mike, at the moment....Might get out with my camera soon,
hugs
Chris and Dave R
xxxxx
Mmm... not keen on this building.. lovely pictures, BTW, Mike... the outside of the building is a bit dismal but its glorious inside ... thanks for sharing Mike xxx
ReplyDelete