A very unusual design for a tower, but one which displays the austere monumentality typical of Greek Revival mausolea built in the early 19th century. There are acroteria at the corners of the parapet and the walls are pierced by sharply cut rectangular openings with small Doric columns to either side.
John Nash
Greek Revival
Grade II* (England and Wales)
1815
In 1811 the early17th century church at West Cowes was extended to the east. Then in 1815 George Ward of Northwood House commissioned John Nash to design a tower to be built at the west end of the church. This was intended as a mausoleum, and the base of the tower contains memorial tablets commemorating members of the Ward family. Finally, in 1867, the main body of the church was demolished and rebuilt, the tower being the only part of the earlier structure to remain.
Good condition (2020) said to have been restored c.2003.
BoE: Hants (1967), 740;
H Colvin, A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects (1995), 689-90.
None
If you're visiting this mausoleum and would like to take this information with you, why not download and print the PDF using the button below:
Church of St Mary
West Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7QU
England