WEBSITE UPDATED  29 June 2010
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Welcome to the website of the Mausolea and Monuments Trust

Hope Springs Eternal!
This year, the MMT launches an appeal to rescue the Mausoleum of Thomas Hope (1769-1831). Hope is recognised internationally as one of great figures in 19th century taste. His country house, The Deepdene, was demolished in 1969, but one singular building remains: the Mausoleum he built to house the body of his young son Charles who died in 1818, and which later became his own resting place. This massive archaic Greek structure lies in a picturesque dell within the grounds of The Deepdene, but was neglected and then almost completely buried in the 1960s. It awaits excavation and restoration. As Hope’s only extant building, the Hope Mausoleum deserves respect as the place of his burial, as well as being an extraordinary instance of the Neoclassical way of death.

Please email mausolea@btconnect.com giving your name and postal address if you would like to receive updates as the project gathers momentum. Fundraising has begun in earnest and pledges of support at http://www.justgiving.com/HopeSpringsEternal would be greatly appreciated.

About the Mausolea and Monuments Trust
The Mausolea and Monuments Trust is a charitable trust, founded in 1997, for the protection and preservation for the public of mausolea and sepulchral monuments situated within the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The patrons of the Trust are Mr Tim Knox & Professor James Stevens Curl. The Chairman is Dr Roger Bowdler.

What is a mausoleum?
A mausoleum is a house of the dead. Larger than tombs, these buildings are free-standing roofed structures erected to receive coffins. They take their name from one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, the vast tomb of King Mausolus of Halicarnassus in Asia Minor. Most British mausolea date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Symbols of dynastivc pride, pious respect and love, they stand in their hundreds in churchyards, cemeteries and parks. Many of Britain’s finest architects were involved in their design. Neo-classical, Egyptian or Gothic, they form a varied, emotionally charged, and irreplaceable part of the built heritage.

To find out more about the work of the Mausolea and Monuments Trust click on ABOUT US.    

DONATE TODAY!  Help us to keep this essential work going.  Click here for membership/donation form or make a donation online at
www.justgiving.com/mausoleamonuments/donate