Burton: Exploring Without Boundaries
Support our work to conserve the Grade II* mausoleum of Sir Richard and Lady Isabel Burton.
- Raised £8,530.00
- Target £10,000.00
Habitats & Heritage are raising funds for our Burton: Exploring Without Boundaries project which will oversee the conservation of the Burton Mausoleum in Mortlake. This will include halting the lamination and cracking of the stonework, cleaning the moss and algae and preventing further decay from damp conditions.
We intend to re-open the mausoleum to the public for the first time in over 50 years, restoring it to Lady Isabel’s vision. The project will additionally deliver an extensive outreach and education programme, including on-site interpretation. We will work with the local community to improve the habitat and accessibility of the churchyard.
We are working with local organisations such as the Museum of Richmond and Everyday Muslim to explore the extraordinary tales of Sir Richard and Lady Isabel Burton, the former’s fascination with religion and culture, and the legacy of his expeditions today.
Following the award of £249k from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are raising the remaining 5% of our project costs via this appeal and fundraising events. Without this matchfunding, our NLHF project would not be possible.
Your donation will go directly to improving the condition, accessibility and interpretation of the Grade II* mausoleum and contribute to our maintenance pot which will ensure that the site is looked after following the end of the project.
The project is due to finish by May 2026. Keep up to date with the project updates via our Burton Mausoleum page.
“The restoration provides an opportunity to reflect upon the life and work of Sir Richard Burton as well as his memory and that of his wife Lady Isabel Burton through the perspective of modern interfaith dialogue. Whether it is as an explorer, a translator, as a spy, a polyglot, a controversial figure, or simply a loving husband, however people view Sir Richard and his legacy, the restoration and care of the Mausoleum and the pathway leading through the cemetery, provide an opportunity to look after both the habitat and the heritage of our cemetery for many years to come.”
Father Adrian, RC Church of St Mary Magdalen
We want to ensure that this unique site is maintained for future generations and we need your help. Please donate to our appeal to make sure that the mausoleum continues to ‘illustrate how rich and full a life can be when lived without boundaries’.
Learn more about Sir Richard and Lady Isabel Burton.
All efforts will be made to restore the mausoleum. However, if for ever reason this is not possible, the charity reserves the right to use donations for other charitable purposes unless stated by the donor.
Keep in touch!
Sign up for our monthly newsletter and be first to hear all the news, opportunities and events from the Habitats & Heritage community
Comments
yannick banks
Please let me know what information you'd like from the previous restoration .
Peter Marshall
My grandmother lived nearby, and I have fond memories from childhood.
Sally Field
So little left to raise on this project - here's a bit more to help you reach the target and get the job done at last ...
Teresa Filby
Happy memories of my sister’s wedding in this church.
Nigel Parker
I have visited this tomb and it’s fascinating.
Rory Fagan
I am a distant relative of SRB and want to support the wonderful work of restoration of his mausoleum to inspire travel and cultivation of broad minds for generations to come
Lisa Woods
With metta
Sally Field
Really hoping that you will raise the rest of the money to complete this restoration well very soon to give this area an additional heritage attraction in good condition
Catherine Baines
I live in East Sheen but just the other side of the railway line to the church and want to support conservation of an interesting monument to an extraordinary Victorian explorer.
Lachlan Finlayson
A very worthy cause. I enjoy bringing visitors to view the tomb and to learn a little about Burton, the man and his achievements.
Ian Davis
I lived in North Worple Way in my early days and used to walk past St Mary Magdalen every day going to school. Many years ago, I read Alan Moorehead's book on the search for the source of the Nile and always wanted to visit the mausoleum but did not realise that you could. I will certainly do so next time I'm in the area.
Ian Davis
I lived in North Worple Way for the first eighteen years of my life and used to walk past St. Mary Magdalen every day going to school. Years ago, I read Alan Moorehead's book on the search for the source of the Nile and, as a result, have always wanted to visit the mausoleum but did not realise that you could. I will certainly do so the next time I am in the area. In the meantime, I hope my contribution takes you over the line in your fundraising.
Maurice Parry-Wingfield
Through the windows of the front bedroom of our first married house in Worple Street we could look down on the mausoleum.
Laura Polglase
A fascinating man and a unique mausoleum.
Sally Field
As a local resident I have loved taking visitors to see this monument over many years and would love to see it well restored.
David Redwood
A fascinating character and true explorer whose tomb should be recognised and supported by the local community.