ROTHERHAM FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

RFHS MEMBERS AUGUST VISIT TO THE ROCKINGHAM MAUSOLEUM, WENTWORTH (NOTE: THERE WILL ALSO BE A MEMBERS MEETING ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF AUGUST AT EASTWOOD MISSION CHURCH)
Unfortunately this visit will be restricted to RFHS MEMBERS ONLY

7pm Thursday 13th August 2009

Situated in Mausoleum Wood near the hamlet of Nether Haugh. Commissioned in 1783 by the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam in memory of his uncle Charles 2nd Marquis of Rockingham (whose body is actually in York Minster). Architect John Carr of York designed the three-storeyed building, 90ft high.

The ground floor and enclosed hall is solid and square containing a statue of the 2nd Marquis by Nollekens and casts of the original fine busts of eight of his closest friends. Above this level, an open colonnade with an arcade of Corinthian columns surrounding an empty sarcophagus. The third level is a cupola resembling a Roman temple.

We meet OUTSIDE the Mausoleum at 7.00pm where we will be treated to a tour and talk by Joe Leach on the History of the monument. Parking is available but FitzWilliam (Wentworth) Estate recommend that you wear good sturdy footwear as there is no laid path to the Mausoleum just a lawn area and track.

Then afterwards we shall hopefully be adjourning to a suitable Hostelry for beverages of an 'Alcoholic Nature' and further Jollification.

Joe Leach
Editor 'A Bridge in Time'

Web Links

http://www.inkamera.ukgo.com/wfolly/4rm0-0.htm
http://www.follytowers.com/rockingham.html