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Summary

Description

Architect unknown. Built circa 1820 for James Douglas

(brother of Sir William Douglas of Gelston and Castle

Douglas) by his son William Douglas of Orchardton. Trotter in

his EAST GALLOWAY SKETCHES claims it to be the work of

William Douglas of Orchardton working in collaboration with

William Hugh Williams a noteable landscape artist of the

time. More likely perhaps is that it is the work of Dumfries

architect, Walter Newall, as his sketch books contain designs

for mausolea in a similar style. Unique Egypto-Doric style

pyramidal mausoleum on raised stepped dais with cubical

burial vault below ground. Finely jointed cream sandstone

polished ashlar, crisp detailing. Ramped doorways to each

face, simply architraved with blocked supported by pair of

fluted Doric columns flanking ramped architraved doorpiece.

Above the door a coat of arms, presumably the Douglasses of

Castle Douglas. All doors ramped with studded panels.

Delicately carved triglyph and metope frieze, deeply

overhanging cornice with anthemion motifs to underside of

angles. From this cornice rises another deeply projecting

cornice to give double pagoda roofline, upper cornice with

scalloped edge, square stone finial to top. Burial vault

reached by steep narrow straight stair laid in naval style

with steps alternatively square and triangular. Marble

plaques over tombs.

Coped pair of ashlar gatepiers with elaborate and decorative

early 19th century cast-and wrought iron and railings.

Spearhead cast-iron railings surround tomb.

References

Bibliography

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