Description

Peddie & Kinnear, 1864. Square-plan, symmetrical, Neo-Byzantine domed mausoleum with 4 Ionic pilasters recessed between channelled quoins supporting semi-circular pediments to each elevation and set into steeply sloping ground with entrance in exposed basement to N. Polished yellow ashlar sandstone; coursed bull-faced sandstone to basement. 3-step base to each elevation; dentilled eaves cornice continuing over pediments.

FURTHER DESCRIPTION: 2-leaf studded and panelled timber door, recessed in deep ashlar architrave at basement; inscribed panel above.

Curved abutments flanking basement wall terminated by plinths supporting recumbent lions, lion to the left awake, lion to right asleep. Douglas coat of arms set into N pediment. Cross-finialled dome pierced with glazed stars.

INTERIOR: ashlar-lined chamber with stone coffin flanked by angels.

Statement of Interest

The Monteath Douglas Mausoleum is both a striking piece of architecture and a prominent landmark, set on high ground on Gersit Law and can be seen from several miles away in all directions. It is very finely detailed and an excellent example of the work of Peddie & Kinnear at this time. A similar star-studded dome had been used by the practice on the dome of the Royal Bank of Scotland building in Andrew Square, Edinburgh a few years earlier.

The monument was commissioned by General Sir Thomas Monteath Douglas of Stonebyres (died 1868) in the early 1860s. The inscription reads: 'In memory of General Sir Thomas Monteath Douglas KCB of Stonebyres, Lanarkshire, who died XVIII October MDCCCLXVIII'.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Monteath Mausoleum at Wikipedia
• Wikidata IDs Q17845440 Q25379236

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
• 
  [(Bedfordshire, Huntingdon and Peterborough)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1968)
• 
  Central Leinster: Kildare, Laois and Offaly (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  Surrey (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)
• 
  The Listed Buildings and Other Principal Structures at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey