Gillow Mausoleum

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A rectangular mausoleum, built in red sandstone with stepped stone gables to either end. Designed in the Egyptian style, its most unusual feature is the row of stumpy columns recessed in the wall facing the church. These have bell capitals with papyrus leaves combined with contrasting concave and convex carved decoration. Inside the mausoleum, the wall opposite the entrance is lined from floor to ceiling with coffin niches, many of them empty.

Architect

Not Known

Style

Egyptian Revival

Listing

Grade II* (England and Wales)

Year built

1830

History

The furniture-making firm of Robert Gillow (d.1772) was established in Lancaster in the 18th century. It reached the peak of its success between 1750 and 1811 largely under the direction of Robert’s two sons, Robert and Richard (1734-1811) the latter an exceptionally talented designer. It was Richard’s son Robert (d.1838), who lived at Clifton Hill at Forton, who built the mausoleum at Thurnham. The first interment was in 1836.

David Beevers claims that Robert Gillow designed the mausoleum himself (Architectural History, 27 (1984), 339, n.15), but Sir Howard Colvin notes its similarity to the Temple Mills in Leeds designed by Joseph Bonomi the Younger.

Condition

Generally sound, though some areas of stonework are rather weathered. When the roof required repair in 2001, the cost was borne by Simon Reynolds (2002).