Raikes Mausoleum, Welton Dale

An exceptionally fine classical mausoleum, cylindrical in shape with a shallow dome. Eight steps lead up to the entrance above which is the inscription: AEDIFICAVIT ROBERTUS RAIKES ARMIGER AD MDCCCXVIII. The building stands within a circular flagged area enclosed by a low wall that once had railings.

Architect

Not known

Style

Neo-Classical

Listing

Grade II (England and Wales)

Year built

1818

History

Robert Raikes (1765-1837) came from Essex where his father, William Raikes, had built a mausoleum at Woodford (now in the borough of Redbridge, London). In 1789 Robert married Anne Williamson, the only daughter of Thomas Williamson of Welton House in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Although the couple remained in Essex until 1805, they then moved to Welton House, perhaps following the death of Anne’s father. Once there, Robert set up a bank in Hull. The mausoleum was built in 1818. It stood in the park, some distance from the house (now demolished). Robert’s son, Thomas (1790-1869) continued to live in the area, but his grandson, another Robert (1818-1901) moved to Wales in 1848. Here he bought Treberfydd in Breconshire and, employing J L Pearson as his architect, founded the remarkable centre of Tractarian worship at Llangasty Tal-y-lynn.

Condition

In need of attention. Although the trees whose roots were undermining the structure at the time of our visit have been cut back, they had already dislodged the steps leading up to the entrance. There are also plants growing in the gutters and crevices in the dome (2003).