This somber hexagonal crypt was built nearly 250 years ago in 1765 by John Bastard the Younger of Blandford. It was designed and commissioned by Sir Francis Dashwood who then dedicated it to his wife, Lady Despenser following her death in 1769. It is thought to have cost £495 equating to around £64,000 in today's value.

Interestingly, you'll also find an urn interred in one of the niches in the walls containing the heart of poet, satirist, and member of the Hellfire club, Paul Whitehead. He paid £50, £6,000 in today's value, to have his heart kept here in an urn, and the ceremony was carried out with much pomp in 1774 with an entire military company parading up to the Mausoleum.

Here is a quote from Paul Whitehead to consider as you explore this quiet place: "True courage is not the brutal force of vulgar heroes, but the firm resolve of virtue and reason."

Edvard

April 25, 2018

The mausoleum (not NT) is an unroofed hexagonal structure, formed by a series of linked triumphal arches, which was built from local flint in 1765 by John Bastard the Younger of Blandford at a cost of £495 5s 3d. The Mausoleum’s design is based on the Constantine Arch in Rome. In the centre stands a pedestal and urn dedicated to the wife of Sir Francis Dashwood, Lady le Despenser (d.1769); a wall plaque commemorates his mother (d.1710) and stepmother (d.1719); and three inscriptions in the frieze refer to Dashwood himself, his friend, Dodington, and his uncle, the 7th Earl of Westmorland. There is also an urn containing the heart of the poet, Paul Whitehead, who was also steward of the Hellfire Club.
nationaltrust.org.uk/west-wycombe-park-village-and-hill/features/explore-west-wycombe-hill

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Location: West Wycombe, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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