Monteath Mausoleum Explained

55.5336°N -2.6152°W

Monteath Mausoleum
Status:at risk - being renovated
Map Type:Scotland Scottish Borders
Relief:yes
Building Type:Mausoleum
Architectural Style:Neo-Byzantine
Ren Cost:£130,000
Client:Sir Thomas Monteath Douglas
Owner:unknown
Location Town:Ancrum near Jedburgh
Location Country:UK
Completion Date:1864
Renovation Date:2018
Roof:Domed with glass star windows

The Monteath Mausoleum is a large landmark in the Scottish Borders near the village of Ancrum. The listed building can be seen from the A68 road just north of Jedburgh. It was built in 1864 and renovated in 2018.

History

General Sir Thomas Monteath Douglas commissioned this large mausoleum which was built on the hill named Gersit Law to the north of Jedburgh near Ancrum. The land belonged to his son-in-law Sir William Monteath Scott[1] and overlooks the site of the Battle of Ancrum Moor.

The mausoleum was designed by the Edinburgh architects Peddie & Kinnear.[2] The building is dated 1864 which is four years before Douglas died.[3] They included a domed roof design similar to Dundas House in Edinburgh that was used by the Bank of Scotland. That later design also incorporated glass star-shaped roof lights.[4]

In 2014 a group was supported to organise a renovation of the building which began in 2018.[5] The renovation was completed in July 2019 thanks to grants and a 30 strong group of volunteers. The mausoleum is open to the public and a key to the crypt can be obtained.[6]

Description

left|thumb|The domed roof of the Monteath MausoleumThe mausoleum was to be sealed forever hiding the two angels who guard his tomb. The inside is lit by 48 green glass star-shaped lights in the domed roof. Outside two carved lions guard the entrance. one of the is sleeping and the other is awake. The building is constructed from ashlar sandstone.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Work begins to restore a hidden Scottish landmark. 2018-06-20. Scottish Field. en-GB. 2018-12-10.
  2. Web site: Ancrum mausoleum in line for £130,000 makeover. www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk. en. 2018-12-10.
  3. Web site: The Monteath Mausoleum LOTHIAN ESTATES. lothianestates.co.uk. 2018-12-09.
  4. Web site: Monteath Douglas Mausoleum - Mausolea & Monuments Trust. www.mmtrust.org.uk. 2018-12-11.
  5. Web site: Friends of the Monteath Mausoleum. friendsofthemonteathmausoleum.org.uk. en-GB. 2018-12-09.
  6. Web site: £128,000 revamp of Victorian mausoleum near Ancrum now complete. www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk. en. 2020-05-04.