Please Support Us

We became involved with the mausoleum in 2002 to: maintain and improve the grounds; encourage people to visit this Egyptian influenced Grade II* listed monument in St Margarets; encourage restoration of the mausoleum.

The mausoleum located just off St Margarets Road in Twickenham was built in 1854 by the Earl of Kilmorey for his late mistress Priscilla Hoste. When she died the Earl commissioned the mausoleum which was built at a cost of £30,000 in Brompton Cemetery. The mausoleum has been moved twice to be near the Earl’s home. First, to Chertsey and then to its present location when he moved back to live in nearby Gordon House. The mausoleum still contains the coffins of the Earl and Priscilla.

A group of Trust members was formed. Claire McCormack, a Kew-trained horticulturalist and landscape designer leads the volunteers who have created a wildlife garden with native trees, shrubs and flowers. It regularly wins awards in the environmental section of the Richmond in Bloom competition.

Open public access to the mausoleum and its grounds is not possible because it is a burial place. However Richmond Council which owns the site wants more people to be aware of the building. It is now included in the annual Open House scheme. Our volunteers organise a second Open Day in the summer and cooperate with groups such as Scouts, local schools and the Richmond Library service to organise special days at the site.

Work has begun to restore the iron railings which used to top the walls surrounding the mausoleum. This will mean costly restoration of the walls as a first step. We are confident that we can raise funds to help finance the overall cost of restoration.

Volunteers meet regularly at Kilmorey to work on the maintenance and planting. We always need more help so you will be very welcome to join us. Tools and training will be provided, you need to bring a picnic lunch. For more information about Kilmorey Mausoleum, its history, garden and how to get involved click here for the new website.