The Mausoleum

The Mausoleum is a Grade I listed building constructed between 1761 and 1765 by Robert Adam for the 1st Earl of Shelburne, who lived from 1705 to 1761. This mausoleum features a square plan made of ashlar stone and is topped with a leaded dome. It has pedimented projections on each side, including an open portico and two transepts designed for monuments. The portico is supported by paired Roman Doric columns and a full entablature that wraps around the entire building. The pediment includes armorial carving, while the transepts have blank arches with moulded imposts. The corners of the main block are adorned with plain niches and blank panels above. A blank attic with a modillion cornice sits atop the structure, and there is an arched main doorway. The rear of the mausoleum is elevated over a high vermiculated basement, which features an arched entry leading to a vault.

Inside, the mausoleum boasts an impressive plastered dome and tunnel-vaulted transepts. The arches of the transepts are enclosed by Tuscan screens made up of two columns in antis, which support a continuous entablature around the chamber and within the principal recess. There are niches in the corners and paterae in the upper spandrels. The flat ceiling spandrels are decorated with anthemion plasterwork. The principal recess contains urns on the entablature and a fine white marble sarcophagus created by A. Carlini around 1775.