There is an annexe off the main body of Saltaire's URC church, which was added by Sir Titus Salt in 1861 specifically as a mausoleum to house his own remains and that of various members of his family. He was interred here in 1877, and his wife Caroline, son Titus and his wife Catherine were later buried here too. I think the mausoleum also holds the remains of some of his other children. I've always rather liked the angel relief, if not the sentiment above: Blessed are the Dead who Die in the Lord. (Very Victorian!)
It's not that long ago, I seem to think, that the mausoleum was repaired and redecorated. It used to be a soft blue and is now painted a darker terracotta colour. There must be some water ingress into its roof, as the plasterwork is now in a poor state and the rather nice tiling on the floor is covered in dust. Such a shame.
The church has a small congregation, who must be hard pressed to raise the money and manpower required to keep it open and in good order, notwithstanding the heritage grants they often receive for repairs to the fabric.
That is a gorgeous angel. I hope they get a grant to keep the church in good shape.
ReplyDeletePrayers they get the funding to do the repairs.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos