Hamilton Palace Mausoleum is a remarkable Roman-style domed structure of panelled masonry. The mausoleum is one of Lanarkshire’s most iconic buildings and is seen by thousands of motorists every day travelling along the M74 motorway.
History of Hamilton Mausoleum
The building stands to an overall height of about 123 feet (37m) and occupies a site some 650 feet (200m) north of the former Hamilton Palace. The building was begun in 1842 by architect David Hamilton and was completed 5 years after the death of the 10th Duke by architects David Bryce and Alexander Richie in 1858. The Duke was interred in the mausoleum alongside many of his family.
Hamilton Mausoleum is now the solitary remaining testament to the colossal scale and grandeur of the buildings which once stood in the Hamilton Low Parks.
The coffins of the 10th Duke and his ancestors were later re-buried in Hamilton's Bent Cemetery due to the subsidence and flooding that affected the mausoleum.
Hamilton Mausoleum Tours
Impressive from the outside, but book one of the tours taken by knowledgeable museums staff and you can get to see the breathtaking interior of the Mausoleum which has the longest-lasting echo of any building in the world, a phenomenon which is dramatically demonstrated to visitors by slamming the entrance doors. The interior is also famous for its ornate decoration and eerie atmospheric crypt. Amongst one of the fascinating secrets of the mausoleum is the ‘whispering corner’.
The Mausoleum is an interesting and exciting historical attraction which makes for a great day out for all the family. A small charge of £1.15 per adult and £0.70 per child applies for a tour of the Mausoleum. Bookings are made via the nearby Low Parks Museum.
Following your visit, why not take a trip up to the nearby Chatelherault Country Park, a magniifient VisitScotland 5 Star visitor attraction.