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.
