The Mausoleum Of John Fuller In The Churchyard To The South East Of The Church

The Mausoleum of John Fuller, located in the churchyard to the southeast of the church in Brightling, is a notable structure designed by Sir Robert Smirke. It was built for John Fuller, a Member of Parliament and patron of the artist J.M.W. Turner, who was known by the nicknames "Honest Jack" or "Mad Jack." Fuller passed away on April 19, 1833, but the mausoleum was constructed during his lifetime in 1810. The mausoleum is designed in the form of an ashlar pyramid, standing approximately 20 feet tall on a three-foot high base. There is a sealed doorway on the southwest side. Although it is said that Fuller was buried inside in an upright position, wearing a top hat and accompanied by a roast chicken and a bottle of claret, this story has since been disproven.