Billy Embleton
Delaval family Mausoleum at Seaton Sluice in 1984
Oak framework of the huge lead covered dome that was still in situ in 1984, but now long gone.
The mausoleum was built by Sir John Hussey Delaval as a memorial to his son John who died in 1775, aged 20, according to the Shell Guide, “as a result of being kicked in a vital organ by a laundry maid to whom he was paying addresses”. It has never been used for burial, however, because Sir John could not agree a fee for its consecration with the Bishop of Durham. The Delaval family was extinct in the male line by 1814.
Around 1900, brick partitions, an extra floor, a staircase and three fireplaces were inserted in the mausoleum so it could be used as a house. But by 1950 the house had been abandoned and the structure was already derelict caused in part by the theft of the silver lead roof.
Picture - Ken Addy
Check out my face book page Seaton Valley, Northumberland past and present for more photos.
Delaval family Mausoleum at Seaton Sluice in 1984
Oak framework of the huge lead covered dome that was still in situ in 1984, but now long gone.
The mausoleum was built by Sir John Hussey Delaval as a memorial to his son John who died in 1775, aged 20, according to the Shell Guide, “as a result of being kicked in a vital organ by a laundry maid to whom he was paying addresses”. It has never been used for burial, however, because Sir John could not agree a fee for its consecration with the Bishop of Durham. The Delaval family was extinct in the male line by 1814.
Around 1900, brick partitions, an extra floor, a staircase and three fireplaces were inserted in the mausoleum so it could be used as a house. But by 1950 the house had been abandoned and the structure was already derelict caused in part by the theft of the silver lead roof.
Picture - Ken Addy
Check out my face book page Seaton Valley, Northumberland past and present for more photos.