Westminster Interfaith group visit the Burton Mausoleum

The Burton Mausoleum designed in the style of the tent the Burtons used on their travels

Westminster Cathedral interfaith group visited the Mausoleum of Sir Richard and Lady Burton, in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church Mortlake on Wednesday. The monument contains the tombs of the Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton (1821-90), who took part in the search for the source of the River Nile and translated The Arabian Nights, and his wife Isabel, Lady Burton (1831-96). It has Muslim and Christian imagery. There is a plan to restore the door this year, so that visitors can enter the tomb. It was designed in the style of the tent which the Burtons used on their travels.

Next to the Lady Chapel in the church there is a memorial stained-glass window to Burton, erected by his widow. Fr Adrian Mckenna-White gave us a fascinating tour of the church. In the afternoon we visited the Buddhapadipa Temple where there was a stimulating discussion with Ven Dr Laow Panyasiri (Arjahn).

The group will be studying Dilexit nos the encyclical about the Sacred Heart by Pope Francis. Copies are available from St Paul's bookshop. We normally meet on the third Wednesday in the Hinsley Room Morpeth Terrace from 1.30 to 3pm. All are welcome and there are refreshments.

For more information on the memorial see: https://habitatsandheritage.org.uk/get-involved/our-projects/burton-mausoleum/