Iremonger Mausoleum

A well detailed Gothic Revival mausoleum in the Decorated style, standing astride the wall which divides the churchyard from the grounds of Wherwell Priory. The re-used medieval sculpture with which it is adorned includes faces of beasts and other creatures.

Architect

Henry Woodyer

Style

Gothic Revival

Listing

Grade II (England and Wales)

Year built

1858

History

The Iremongers were landed gentry with strong military connections. It was Joshua Iremonger (1744-1817) who first acquired land in Wherwell and, in the early nineteenth century, built the house known as The Priory. By the mid 19th century, when his grandson, William Iremonger (1808-1862) was lord of the manor, the medieval parish church was in such poor condition that it was judged best to demolish it. The architect chosen for the new building was Henry Woodyer. Between 1854 and 1858 he rebuilt the church to the same plan, with the addition of a vestry and, on the north side of the chancel, a chapel to serve as the family pew of the Iremonger family. It is assumed that the mausoleum, which incorporates carvings salvaged from the old church, was also designed by Woodyer at this time. Although the Iremongers no longer live at The Priory, they still own and use the mausoleum, the last interment being that of William John Iremonger (1912-94).