History

The Milton Mausoleum

This striking building, said to be inspired by a temple on the banks of the Ilyus at Athens, is to the north of Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, in the village of Milton.

It was built for Henry, 4th Duke of Newcastle by Robert Smirke, who was the architect for the British Museum, Somerset House and The Royal Mint.

Started in 1824 it was consecrated by the Archbishop of York on the 27th December 1833

It is the only surviving mausoleum in Nottinghamshire and is now owned by the Churches Conservation Trust. Quite unusually the design incorporates a Parish Church and it was in use until the 1950's.

It is now empty.

Beneath the floor is burial space for 72 coffins but only 14 were ever used.

Coffins were lowered through from the nave. At the end of the aisle is a stone slab with two iron rings embedded. Machinery, consisting of two large screw jacks made of cast iron with brass bearings, where need to raise the stone. The vicar received 15 shillings and the church wardens 5 shillings for assisting in this task.

The east end of the building contains the memorials to the 4th Duke and Duchess of Newcastle, and at the moment, is only open the public occasionally.

However the Churches Conservation Trust have ambitious plans regarding the Milton Mausoleum and maybe in the future it will become more accessible.

Funeral of the 5th Duke of Newcastle in 1864

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