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Thornton Mausoleum

The mausoleum, which is similar in form to the Ongley mausoleum at Old Warden, lies to the south of the chancel facing the rectory garden. It is a square, rendered building with a pyramidal slate roof and bulls-eye windows filled with tracery. The arched doorway is sheltered by a drip-mould with lion’s head stops. Over the door, which is now half submerged in the ground, is a moulded shield with the Thornton arms. The building is surrounded by iron railings.

Architect

Not known

Style

--

Listing

Grade II (England and Wales)

Year built

1805

History

The mausoleum was built by Stephen Thornton following the death of his father Godfrey Thornton (1736-1805) who lived at Park House, Moggerhanger. Also interred in the vault is Godfrey’s wife, Jane (1744-1811) and a succession of other members of the family. The last burial recorded on the memorial plaques inside the church took place in 1862.

Condition

Conservation and maintenance of the mausoleum was carried out in 2010 to include removal of overgrowth and repair of rainwater goods.

Sources

Information from Moggerhanger House Preservation Trust.

Links

Moggerhanger Park website

Related Articles/Publications

None

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Thornton Mausoleum Thornton Mausoleum

Location

Please note: The location information below is approximate - we are in the process of improving the accuracy.

Churchyard of St Edmund
Blunham
Bedfordshire
MK44 3NQ
England