Constable Mausoleum

HALSHAM B 1362 TA 22 NE (east side, off) 3/9 Constable Mausoleum (formerly listed as Mausoleum) 4-3-52 GV II *

Mausoleum. 1792-1802 by Thomas Atkinson of York, completed by his son John, for Sir Edward Constable. Alterations to base by Charles Mountain of Hull c1830. Restorations of c1910. Limestone and sandstone ashlar. Classical style. Circular on plan, with domed temple approximately 9 metres diameter on wider basement approximately 15 metres diameter, with entrances and staircase to west. Basement has plinth, chamfered rustication, eight 3- light sliding sashes with glazing bars in reveals beneath rusticated flat arches, perron to south with double board doors beneath rusticated round arch flanked by staircases with curtail steps and wrought-iron balustrades with plain bars, and pointed finials above single top rail. Similar railings around flagstone roof, which forms platform around temple. Latter has moulded plinth, 8-bay pilastered round-arched blind arcade with recessed rectangular panels above, entrance with double panelled doors in reveal with architrave carrying plain entablature with moulded cornice. Plain frieze, moulded cornice, blocking course and dome with moulded cap and cross finial. Interior. Temple: plinth, half-domed niches in full-height pilastered arcade with carved and painted shields to frieze, plain ribbed vault with coloured glass to skylight; crucifix in eastern niche, with carved arms above; columned balustrade around central circular well containing tall pedestal and white urn inscribed to Sir William Constable, and with inscribed grave slabs to inner face. Interior of basement has vaulted corridor around foot of tower, with a series of inscribed tablets to C18 and later members of Constable family, one tablet inscribed:

Bones of the Ancestors of the Family of CONSTABLE Collected in The Old Vault of the Family adjoining the Church of Halsham and transferred to the MAUSOLEUM on the 23rd of August 1802

Mausoleum is set on circular platform (reputedly the site of a tumulus) approached by an avenue of yew trees. N Pevsner, The Buildings of England, East Riding, 1972, p 241; Victoria County History: York, East Riding, vol 5, 1984, p 33; photographs in NMR.

Listing NGR: TA2705427867