Tibbits Hood Mausoleum

The mausoleum is a plain rectangular structure, built in ashlar, projecting from the east end of the church beneath the newly constructed east window. Its most distinctive features are the diagonal buttresses at the outer corners which have cinqfoiled gablets acting as finials. The building was formerly entered via a small doorway behind the altar table, now bricked up and no longer visible. This led into a central passage, running from east to west, with blocks of loculi to either side.

Architect

Not known

Style

Listing

Grade II* (England and Wales)

Year built

1839

History

The association of the Tibbits family with Wolfhamcote began in the 18th century. In 1794 Richard Tibbits of Flechnoe (d.1813) bought the church. Then, in 1826, Charles Tibbits of Barton Seagrave, Northamptonshire (d.1830) also acquired the manor, reuniting the church and manor. The burials of both men are marked by ledger stones in the church, as are those of other members of the family who died during the first half of the 19th century. Whilst the exact date of construction is not known, the mausoleum appears in a watercolour dated 1839 with the chancel roof and east window also shown very much as they are now. In 1848, Lady Hood (Richard’s granddaughter) carried out further work to the chancel, following the death of her husband, Samuel Tibbits Hood (1808-1846). There are five wall plaques in the chancel commemorating members of the Tibbits family. They include those of Charles Tibbits and Samuel Tibbits Hood.