Hopper Mausoleum (Charcoal, compressed charcoal, A2 cartridge)This dates from 1994 or 1995, I think. In those days I had access to a car and one of my favourite drives was out to the
Derwent Reservoir.
On the way back, we'd often go via Grey Mare Hill, near
Kilnpit Hill, on a minor road to Whittonstall. Stopping there, I'd walk up a signposted footpath on the south side of the road to St Andrew’s Church. The church, which is Grade II listed, was built in 1769, but following subsidence, was restored in 1892. It's an interesting, if unspectacular building, but what makes it special is the Grade I listed Hopper Mausoleum, standing in the churchyard.
The memorial was built by Humfrey Hopper of Black Hedley in 1752 as a memorial to his wife. He was later buried there and details of his descendants were engraved on the building, There's also a slab with a dedication that reads:
Erected by Humfrey Hopper of Black Hedley in memory of his wife Jane Hodsgon who died February 29th 1752 aged 77. It's another of those eerie places, that few people visit. It's generally quiet, but often there's a breeze blowing up from the valley and this rustles the long grass in the field outside the churchyard. Looking at this drawing now brings back a vivid memory of the site.
Much as I rather like wind turbines, I'm sorry to see that there are
plans afoot to put some up near the Mausoleum.
Posts
