Dashwood Mausoleum — Attraction in West Wycombe

Imposing mausoleum on top of West Wycombe Hill, overlooking the historic village and National Trust parkland of the same name. Impressive views of the Chiltern Hills and over the nearby town of High Wycombe. Inside the hill are the infamous Hellfire Caves, and the mausoleum shares the hilltop with the very unusual church of St Lawrence, characterised by the large golden ball atop its tower. The mausoleum itself is a very large flint clad structure, clearly visible from the A40. It towers over the village bearing more resemblance to an old military fort than a typical family resting place. It's kept locked though it's easy to see inside through the railings. At the time of my visit on a Friday afternoon the church was also locked. If I was being critical I'd say the site felt just a little neglected by the National Trust's usually high standards of upkeep, with a bit of paint peeling on the mausoleum's grand columns. That said, such an unusual structure at an exposed hilltop location is bound to require ongoing maintenance, so it can be forgiven as the site is free to visit and easy to access, a short if steep walk uphill from the village. There's also a free parking area right outside the church grounds for those who can't...

The Dashwood Mausoleum, located in West Wycombe, England, is a significant historical and architectural site. Built in 1765 by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club, the mausoleum serves as the final resting place for the Dashwood family.

The structure is designed in a hexagonal shape, reflecting neoclassical influences, and is constructed from Portland stone. Its unique design includes niches housing busts of Roman emperors, aligning with Dashwood's fascination with classical antiquity.

Situated on West Wycombe Hill, the mausoleum offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Chiltern Hills and is adjacent to St. Lawrence’s Church, another Dashwood commission. The mausoleum's eerie yet captivating presence is enhanced by its association with the Hellfire Club, known for its secretive and controversial activities in the 18th century.

Visitors can appreciate not only the historical significance but also the serene beauty of the site, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and architectural...

This open-top, hexagonal structure houses the remains of the Dashwood family members, a prominent family related to Sir Francis Dashwood, who was the 11th Baron le Despencer. Not only was Sir Francis Dashwood a Baron, but he also was a politician, Chancellor of Exchequer between 1762 and 1763, and most famously, the founder of the infamous Hellfire Club. It is made of flint and stone. Each of the edifice walls has a sequence of arches and rectangles, some of which are open and others recessed and sealed off. Many of the urns belonging to the Dashwood family are encased within the rectangular and arch-shaped structures that are sealed.

Since Dashwood Mausoleum is a gravesite, it is open to the public 24-hours a day. The actual structure itself is not accessible to the public, however. The main entrance has a wrought iron gate that remains locked at all times. Visitors can still peer inside the structure from...