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All the United Kingdom England Turvey Higgins Mausoleum
AO Edited

Higgins Mausoleum

A 19th century grave house with a unique message formed by the stone supports to the railing around the walls.

Turvey, England

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Nathan F.
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Tucked in the northeast corner of the graveyard at All Saints' Church in the village of Turvey is the Higgins Mausoleum. While mid-19th century brick and stone mausoleums are not unusual, this one in northern Bedfordshire, England, is unique for the stark reminder from Psalm 89 written in stone in the balustrade lining the wall: "What man is he that liveth and shall not see death?"

In 1786, Charles Higgins purchased land in Turvey. When he died six years later, he left the Manor of Turvey and Turvey Abbey to a nephew, John. In addition to being a county magistrate, John Higgins was a talented painter (many of his watercolors of the village are held in the County Record Office). John and his wife Theresa, who died in 1846 and 1845 respectively, were the first members of the family to be buried in the mausoleum.

Work began on the Grade II listed mausoleum in 1825, with the first interment occurring in 1845. It has been used since as a family vault for the Higgins and Longuet families, with the most recent interment taking place in 2016. The entrance to the mausoleum is bricked over, with the bricks being removed earth cleared to reveal a set of steps that descend into the mausoleum. After each interment, the entryway is bricked back over and the earth returned.

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Mausoleums Graveyards Cemeteries

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The mausoleum is located in the far northeast corner of the Church Yard. Enter the church yard through the lych gate near the village war memorial, turn right, and walk just past the church.

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Added By

NathanF

Edited By

peregrine79, Michelle Cassidy, Ian Janet

  • peregrine79
  • Michelle Cassidy
  • Ian Janet

Published

May 14, 2021

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Sources
  • http://www.turveybeds.com/higginsmausoleum.html
  • http://www.mausolea-monuments.org/mausolea/view/9/Higgins_Mausoleum
  • https://www.turveyhistory.org.uk/catalogue_item/david-betts-collection/all-saints-church-mausoleum
Higgins Mausoleum
2 Cranes Cl
Turvey, England, MK43 8EN
United Kingdom
52.163195, -0.626599
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Bedford, England

miles away

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Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

Places 2,199
Stories 144

Nearby Places

The Panacea Museum

Bedford, England

miles away

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miles away

Midsummer Boulevard Light Pyramid

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

Places 2,199
Stories 144

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