Sir Richard Burton's Mausoleum

North Worple Way, Mortlake. Richmond

Grade II*

The unusual mausoleum was constructed in 1890 in the form of a Bedouin tent for Sir Richard Burton (1821-1890), by his widow, Isabel Arundell, who was also interred here. Burton was a famous traveller, linguist, soldier and diplomat, best known for his extensive travels in Africa and Asia, and his translation of The Book of a Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights) and the Kama Sutra. His early army career in India was followed by action in the Crimean War. He also traveled to Mecca and Africa under the auspices of the Royal Geographical Society. Between 1856 and 1860 he journeyed to the great lakes of Central Africa in search of the source of the River Nile. The mausoleum is built of Welsh stone and originally had a door that could be opened.  A glass panel at the rear gives views of the interior, where there are two fine coffins and a collection of urns and Middle-Eastern lamps. The structure is in a poor state, as is the interior decoration. The Friends of Burton, who propose to fully restore the mausoleum, would like to re-instate the doorway and then restore the interior. The external and internal repairs are expected to cost a total of £60,000. English Heritage can contribute towards the structural restoration but are not able to help towards the internal repairs. The Trust has therefore offered a grant of £3,000 towards the restoration of the interior.