Hannen Columbarium, Early 20th century mausoleum in Wargrave, England
The Hannen Columbarium is an early 20th century structure located at St Mary's Church graveyard in Wargrave. The square brick building contains a circular interior chamber where four piers support crossing arches that rise toward a curved dome, all held together with red tile and stone.
Edwin Lutyens designed this structure between 1906 and 1907 following the death of Sir Nicholas Hannen in Shanghai in 1900. The building came as a response to the family's need for a special place to honor their departed relative.
The site carries the Hannen family name and serves as a place where visitors come to remember and honor those whose remains are held within. The inscribed words on the interior walls speak to the spiritual purpose that guides how people use this space.
The structure sits within the grounds of St Mary's Church cemetery and is listed as a protected monument, so access may be limited at certain times. Visitors should approach it with respect as this is a place of memorial for those whose remains are housed within.
The design displays classical proportions blended with Byzantine elements and traditional craftsmanship, marking a rare moment in the architect's body of work. This combination of different architectural languages compressed into such a small structure is unusual to encounter.
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