The Lytton Mausoleum is a family
mausoleum in
Knebworth Park,
Hertfordshire, England.
Description
The mausoleum was commissioned by
Elizabeth Bulwer-Lytton (née Warburton-Lytton) and built in 1817 in memory of her parents
Richard Warburton-Lytton (1745–1810) and Elizabeth (née Jodrell) of
Knebworth House
Knebworth House is an English country house in the parish of Knebworth in Hertfordshire, England. It is a Grade II* listed building. Its gardens are also listed Grade II* on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. In its surrounding park is t ...
. It is set in parkland at a distance from the
Church of St Mary and St Thomas, a
Grade I listed building.
Until the construction of the mausoleum, the Lytton family of Knebworth House used the Lytton Chapel, attached to the north side of St Mary's church, for interments. This chapel was rebuilt around 1710 to house three exceptionally fine monuments dedicated to members of the family.
Burials
Inside the mausoleum are a number of coffins,
including that of
Elizabeth Bulwer-Lytton (1770–1843). A casket holds the ashes of
Lady Constance Bulwer-Lytton
Lady Constance Georgina Bulwer-Lytton (12 February 1869 – 2 May 1923), usually known as Constance Lytton, was an influential British suffragette activist, writer, speaker and campaigner for prison reform, votes for women, and birth control. S ...
(1869–1923). She joined the
suffragette movement,
and, as her epitaph states “sacrificed her health and talents in helping to bring victory to this cause”.
Architecture and conservation
The architect of the octagonal, stone building was
John Buonarotti Papworth
John Buonarotti Papworth (24 January 1775 – 16 June 1847) was a British architect, artist and a founder member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
He adopted the middle name "Buonarotti" in around 1815.
As well as being active in ...
. His design is
neoclassical. The roof supports a
sarcophagus with shell
acroteria.
The building and the railings which enclose it were
Grade II listed in 1968.
References
External links
*
{{coord, 51.87521, -0.21229, format=dms, type:landmark_region:GB, display=title
Buildings and structures completed in 1817
John Buonarotti Papworth buildings and structures
Mausoleums in England
Grade II listed monuments and memorials
Monuments and memorials in Hertfordshire
Grade II listed buildings in Hertfordshire
Neoclassical architecture in Hertfordshire
Regency architecture in England
Knebworth