| Perkins Mausoleum and Priory Gardens (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Perkins Mausoleum and Priory Gardens
Photographer Description of Perkins Mausoleum and Priory Gardens
Panorama showing the Priory Gardens, part of the Christchurch Priory, which contains the Perkins Mausoleum. The picture was taken during the summer and the rose beds are in bloom.Perkins Mausoleum and Priory Gardens - Further Information
The Priory Gardens lie next to Christchurch Priory in Christchurch, Dorset. Within this small garden is the Perkins Mausoleum, built to house the body of one Mrs Perkins who had a fear of being buried alive, a fate not unknown in 18th century Engalnd. She had the mausoleum built to house her body above ground in the hope that were she actually still alive her cries for help would be heard.Attached to the Perkins Mausoleum is a plaque which states: 'According to the "Smugglers of Christchurch" by E.R.Oakley this structure was a mausoleum of a certain Mrs. Perkins who died in 1783. This lady had a horror of being buried alive and requested that her body should not be interred, but that a fabric should be erected to receive it near the entrance to the free school then in St. Michael's loft of the priory so that the boys should hear if she revived, she also requested that the lid of the coffin should not be screwed down and the lock of the mausoleum constructed so as to enable her to open it in the spring. These wishes were carried out, but when her husband died in 1803 her body was removed the structure sold and re-erected on this present site.'
Address:
Christchurch Priory
1-2 Quay Rd
Christchurch, BH23 1BU
01202 485804
Travel Directions and Getting There:
Christchurch Priory is at the end of Quay Road in Christchurch, about 6 miles east of [[934,Bournemouth]] on the A338 and A35.