Mausoleum of Sir Richard and Lady Burton

The Mausoleum of Sir Richard and Lady Burton in Mortlake is a stone structure shaped like a Bedouin tent and stands about 18 feet (5.5 meters) high. It was built using sandstone, Carrara marble, and stone from the Forest of Dean and sits within the churchyard of St Mary Magdalen.

Sir Richard Burton died in October 1890 and received a military funeral in Trieste before his body was transported to England for burial. His remains have rested in this mausoleum, which is now protected as a Grade II* listed building.

The building displays Islamic crescents, Christian crosses, and the Star of Bethlehem carved into its walls. These symbols show how the Burtons held interests in both faiths and wanted this spiritual mix reflected in their final resting place.

The mausoleum is accessed through the churchyard of St Mary Magdalen, where visitors can view the coffins through a glass panel at the rear. A fixed ladder is available to help reach the viewing spot, and the churchyard setting allows for peaceful exploration of the site.

Lady Isabel Burton held spiritualist seances at the tomb and lived nearby on Worple Road to stay close to her deceased husband. This devotion shows the deep emotional bond she maintained with him after his death.

Location: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Part of: St Mary Magdalen’s Roman Catholic Church

GPS coordinates: 51.46820,-0.26142

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:06