Work underway on Hamilton Mausoleum fencing

Jun 25 2009 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

Hamilton Mausoleum

WORK was due to start this week on the erection of a EIGHT FOOT fence around Hamilton Mausoleum.

In recent years vandals using spray paint, permanent marker pens, household paint and etching have caused serious damage to the stonework of the mid-19th century building. Following discussions between South Lanarkshire Council and Historic, Scotland it has been decided to erect a fence around the monument in an attempt to keep the vandals out.

Guided tours of the mausoleum, however, will continue.

The council’s community resources committee chairman Gerry Convery said last week: “It has been agreed to erect a sympathetic fence around the monument.

"We have a duty to preserve Hamilton Mausoleum for future generations and, to this end, our officers have been seeking guidance from Historic Scotland as to what would be the most acceptable way to try to defend the building from vandalism.

"Our museum officers have been working with stone conservators on ways to sympathetically preserve the stone that has been damaged by years of vandalism.

“It is hoped that by fencing off the building, in a manner which will not detract from the view, may help to deter vandals and preserve this historic monument for future generations."

The 128ft-high mausoleum was built as a chapel and burial place for the 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852).

Work started on the Roman-style sandstone structure in 1842 and was completed in 1858.

It has an echo of 15 seconds - said to be the longest in the world.

However, the unusual acoustics meant that the building could not be used as a Hamilton family chapel.

When the 10th Duke died he was entombed in the mausoleum in an Egyptian sarcophagus.

Sixteen other members of the family were also entombed there.

However, the majority of the bodies were transferred to Bent Cemetery in 1921.

Mausoleum tours take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Places, which must be pre booked, can be reserved by calling Low Parks Museum on 01698 328232. Price for adults is £1.15 and children 70p.