Two COFFINS underground. COFFIN with a big RED BOW 🎀

This Mausoleum is locked but I got the key, locked the door and was inside alone.
This unusual yet amazing building is the Mausoleum erected to house the remains of Robert Percy ffrench and his daughter Kathleen.
Robert Percy ffrench was a descendant of a Monivea landlord family, he was born in 1832.
He was secretary for the British Embassies in St. Petersburgh and Vienna. He married a rich Russian heiress and had one daughter, Kathleen. Robert converted to Catholicism and was a Knight of St. John of Jerusalem.
When he died in 1896 his body was embalmed and his daughter had this mausoleum erected.
It's been built in a clearing among the trees in the Monivea Wood and this secluded position adds a lot to its beauty and magnificence.
It has a castle-like look, with a rectangular plan which measures 8.50 metres of width and 12.50 metres of length, with a square turret in its northeast corner. This turret contains a spiral staircase to the roof which has a crenellated top.
To the south of the building there's a concrete Celtic cross with no inscription.
The building was built using Wicklow granite.
The mausoleum took four years to be built and cost £10,000.
On the west (270°) side there are six stone steps that lead to a Gothic archway with a heavy oak door.
Inside the mausoleum there's a majestic and impressive marble canopy with four black columns which surrounds the life-size effigy of Robert Percy ffrench carved in Carrara marble by the Italian artist Francesco Jerace. The figure lies on his back, like he was sleeping, covered with a carved cloth with an inscribed Maltese Cross. A motto has been carved on the side of the effigy, it reads "Il lui sera beaucoup pardonné car il a beaucoup aimé", which means "He will be forgiven much because he has loved much".
Kathleen died on January 1st, 1938, in Manchuria, and her body was taken to Ireland to be reunited to his father.
Robert Percy ffrench was the last male of his family.
The only light to this chamber comes from the stained glass windows in the north, east and south walls.
The spiral staircase that leads to the roof also goes down to a crypt with the tombs of Robert and his daughter Kathleen, but there's no electricity in the building and without a source of light it's too dark to go down safely but I did, alone.
Two beautifully made lead coffins hold the remains of Kathleen and her father Robert Percy Ffrench, one of the coffins has a unique feature of a red bow.
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#gothic #Mausoleum #coffins

[@carydagnese5484]

Darlin Sue...This is such a lovely video. I just lost my wife of many years to an aggressive small cell Cancer. Because we Christians have the hope and promise of the Resurrection from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we fear not the grave. Having seen so many of your videos has been both a peaceful and moving witness to the hope and promise of the Resurrection... Sue, thank you so much for everything you do! God bless you. 🌷🌷🌷🌷☘☘☘☘

[@IrishAnnie]

God Bless you and so sorry for your loss….you know you will see her again. She will be there waiting for you!!❤❤❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

I am so sorry to hear this, I know grief and its hard, please be kind to yourself and mind yourself, you will meet again, ❤️❤️

[@debroahisaacs2452]

So sorry for your loss😢😢😢 my husband died 2 yes ago this coming February 2024. I miss him but we as Christians when he passed I had the most amazing peace. I know he is with Jesus...😊😊😊😊 ..

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

@debroahisaacs2452 so sorry for your loss ❤️

[@Felicity2121]

@@debroahisaacs2452sorry for your loss. Christmas is the hardest time 🤍🕯

[@wolfman515]

I've never understood how someone can stoop so low as to desecrate a final resting place. Thank you for the walk through, that is an absolutely beautiful place.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you, nor me, some people are just horrible

[@csh43166]

I don't understand it, either. That, and all types of important monuments and natural wonders. It hurts my heart every single time. 😢

[@cw7443]

Well it's usually kids, they don't care about anything 😢😢😢😢😢😢😮

[@tonymeads4693]

What an amazing mausoleum ! The lineage of the family is incredible, right back to the Norman invasion. It's great that they did so much for the locality and people. How sad that it has to be locked up due to vandalism. Thanks for this one, Sue ! VERY enjoyable.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks Tony ❤️

[@bordereau1]

The beauty of the scultured Robert French is absolutely brilliant. The flowing robes, the hands in prayer....resting....eternally

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It's definitely the most beautiful sculpture I've ever seen

[@DeborahYoder-fl9xi]

You did this family proud, Sue!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Such a sweet comment, thank you

[@sheilan6235]

This is an incredible beautiful mausoleum. I don’t understand the mindset of people who deliberately destroy things that don’t belong to them

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Me either, terrible carry on from people

[@sylviaburns2995]

Lack of structure, morals, ignorance, jealousy, anger, hate drives such destructive behavior. Sadly there is alot of people like that...

[@berry-123]

Thank you Sue for this video. What an amazing place. The mausoleum is so beautiful. Sad to hear it is vandalized in the past. ❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you ❤️

[@Liz_678]

Beautiful mausoleum! The statue is beautiful and caskets in great shape . Glad more wasn’t damaged. Vandalism 😡. Many thanks for this interesting tour💕

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it Liz

[@clarekelly6129]

What an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful place, and to be laid by her fathers side for eternity touched my heart, after losing my beloved dad 2years ago. Thank you for another wonderful video Sue.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

I'm sorry to hear that Clare, rest in peace to your Dad xx

[@davidfenn4444]

A little gem of a video by you Sue.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you ❤️

[@peggysue2748]

This is the most beautiful mausoleum I have ever seen. Why would someone vandalize such beautiful works of art? Thank you for the tour, I love your accent. ❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@annamariehewitt3173]

This Mausoleum is a masterful work of art...To vandalize It's beauty is Sacrilegious...Thankyou for posting..

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

I adore this place, the sculpture of Percy Ffrench alone is a masterpiece

[@terrivines4071]

This is one of my favorite episodes door open and you see what’s inside. It’s amazing the pillow looks soft. The cover over his body looks real.. what a beautiful way to pay respects to that man

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Oh terri believe me I kept touching the pillow and the cover over him, it looked like fleece

[@terrivines4071]

@@SerenitySueGraveyards it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. Where was his wife buried?

[@Billy-h7b]

Who was the sculptor?

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

@user-xy2jo2vs5s Francesco Jerace

[@ninanonna2007]

This was an amazing find. The statue of Mr French was gorgeous. The building was like a church(tabernacle and all ). Sad that Rosamund had to be buried alone outside. Best find. Aunties likes

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes it is sad for Rosamund, thanks Aunty ❤️

[@MrLookitspam]

It’s so lovely and tidy. Family takes care that’s nice.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It is very well looked after

[@johnmorelli3775]

Sue: This was a superb video - the history lesson, the mausoleum, the sculpture, the stained glass, the setting and also your narration were all beautiful. I loved it all! May Robert & Kathleen FFrench rest in peace, amen.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks so much John ❤️

[@sheilafleming7240]

It is a lovely Mausoleum in a nice quiet wood

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you ❤️

[@joelhurley2678]

Beautiful Mausoleum Sue, and thank you so much for sharing.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome

[@shelleyleach9589]

Absolutely beautiful and such a lovely story. What a wonderful serene resting place. Rest in peace the French family and thank you Sue. X

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

His daughter Kathleen is beside him in the lead coffin x x

[@barbhenderson4867]

Wow how beautiful, I’m glad it’s locked, thanks sue xx

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Me too Barb

[@sharonobryan9713]

That place is gorgeous!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks x

[@annelielubbe4213]

This mausoleum is beautiful and the stained glass awesome. The statue on front is beautiful and it looks as if he is just a sleep ❤❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

He looks life like, even his rides looked like fleece

[@tinasavage674]

Beautiful place theres always a kind of silence and peace in these places. Thanks for sharing sue.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes Tina, like time has stood still

[@joannedarling502]

Wow wat a stunning final resting place.😊

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Isn't is fantastic

[@michaelbedinger4121]

Beautiful mausoleum. I love the architectural design. Very unfortunate about the vandalism. I hope the people involved were caught. Great video, thank you very much Sue and GV. 😊

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks Michael

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@@SerenitySueGraveyards You are very much welcome! Thank you very much for getting back to me.

[@rezalrahim5258]

This is probably the most beautiful private mausoleum (not in a cemetery) that I’ve seen in your channel

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

I just adore this place

[@williamdavis3578]

What an amazing crypt... thanks for the tour Sue ... your awesome

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Sandra-dm8rd]

Stunning

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you! 😊

[@kyliecook8889]

Wow so nice they did a lot work

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes it was

[@debroahisaacs2452]

How truly beautiful. It looks like a majestic castle. Thanx so much for your timr and how you find the stories and besutiful art. I so enjoy you taking the time to show us so much detail.Wonderful❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it, it was wonderful to get the key to share with you all

[@kathymacdonnell1443]

Thankyou Sue, an awesome video.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Cathidee]

Absolutely fascinating! All of it was beautiful! What a great video, Sue. One of my favorites for sure.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Mine too, every thing about it is amazing

[@kathyn8780]

I do not know how you and GV keep doing this with amazing finds, thank you. So lovely and peaceful and beautiful

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks Kathy, lots of research and a long list of to do's

[@Andrew-pm5bg]

What an absolutely beautiful video.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you ❤️

[@cladqueen8054]

Incredible

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It sure is

[@pamelawooten3251]

Such a beautiful place! Thank you for the video, Sue!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome! Pamela

[@robineppinette4056]

Such a beautiful place.. peaceful..RIP❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It is, really beautiful

[@karenflanagan1961]

You can still shine on the marble appsalutely beautiful.

[@sheilafleming7240]

It is a lovely Maus

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

I love it

[@Oldnoitall]

Unreal mausoleum ! Spectacular video thanks !

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@shelaleon1879]

What a beautiful mausoleum, the place is a work of art.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It really is

[@randalljeffries6943]

I have a hard time understanding why someone would feel the need to vandalize someones final resting place

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Me too, low lives for sure!!

[@nadiabrook7871]

Wow!! Such a BEAUTIFUL mausoleum!! I especially love the marble!!💞❤👍👏 How are you all doing, Sue?! Hope everyone is feeling better!! XXXX 💞🤗

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Getting there Nadia, just feel like I've a head cold still x x

[@nadiabrook7871]

@@SerenitySueGraveyards Glad to hear that you're getting better, Sue!! Please keep looking after yourself, my friend!! XXXX 🤗❤

[@mythicalmermaid5757]

Absolutely beautiful memorial.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It really is stunning

[@karenflanagan1961]

Thank you for sharing this particular video 📹 wanted to 👀 this video. What a beautiful castle moseleum.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pamelac2863]

Thank you for sharing this video God bless you ❤❤❤ so awesome

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome

[@judytaylor4133]

Such a beautiful place and a beautiful Mozarlim Sue, thanks for sharing it.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

My pleasure 😊

[@missmarple7639]

Super!!!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@donnicholas7552]

Cool video! Awesome mausoleum. It's a shame it was vandalized.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It sure is Don

[@cathyjackson5959]

Just subscribed❤. Yay. This mausoleum is so Beautiful and Peaceful!!🙏🏻🕊

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Welcome to the channel and to Ireland too, thank you 😊

[@darrenbrown5248]

Thanks again sue

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You’re welcome 😊

[@juancarlosmendozaduarte3752]

Estoy sorprendido es una auténtica maravilla con su altar y su tabernáculo y se ve limpio , la familia debió ser muy rica para construir algo así. Susan precioso video

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks Juan

[@robertthomas3364]

Quite a story. Thanks for telling it and filming it so eloquently.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks ❤️

[@papabear65]

Thank you for your beautiful and historic videos there is so much out there thank you once again

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You're very welcome 🙏

[@lora2231]

Very beautiful

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes, definitely my favourite mausoleum I found

[@aussiepete6770]

I feel sorry that Rosamund isn't resting inside the mausoleum with Robert and Kathleen

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes and so much space where she could have been

[@graybeard68]

❤ Simply amazing. That you can get the key . Awesome vid. Keep on keepin on Serenity Sue ☠💀😃

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks so much!!

[@IrishAnnie]

Oh Sue….so beautiful! I love the drone shots. Thank you so much!! ❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome

[@mushymagazineonlocation7328]

Well captured Sue. What an amazing resting place.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks so much

[@maureenalder8905]

Loved this Sue..Thank-you so much ❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome

[@johndean5251]

Beautiful Sue

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you! 😊

[@DonnasArizonaAdvenrures]

I live in Arizona USA and find all these ancient Tombs so facinating! Great job!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks Donna ❤️

[@daphnerosemoon9843]

Thank you Sue, that is the perfect video for a cold rainy evening in California. Seeing the pretty green trees has reminded me of what happens after the rain. I just love that tomb it's so calm, quiet and beautiful, Sad that ignorant people broke in but the damage was small compared to other graves I've seen. So I count that as a blessing. 💖💖💐💐🏆

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome! It's a wonderful place

[@daphnerosemoon9843]

@@SerenitySueGraveyards 💖💖

[@denisehibbs9576]

Amazing mausoleum ! Beautiful ! Thanks for sharing !

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you too!

[@ninaellyson814]

Exquisite. Thank you Sue-Nina

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Many thanks! Nina

[@chubbawubba4287]

Very ornate, beautifully preserved and cared for. Very nice!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you very much!

[@GraveVisitations]

I love this one ❤ the architecture of the mausoleum, the area itself, the marble is exquisite to detail. And of course it's my home county 😁

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Gaillimh Abú

[@KARSDAY]

What a stunning building. Great video.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Many thanks!

[@maryb1783]

lovely serene peaceful video handled beautifully by yourself.Thankyou x

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

😊 thank you

[@Franky-f5r]

What an amazing place the beautiful land and the resting place is absolutely stunning.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

I agree 👍

[@Momcat1960]

Very beautiful video. It touched my heart ❤️. Loved the history of the FFrench family.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindacastellan7747]

Wow that is beautiful, and I never seen stairs that go up and down. Just beautiful!!!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thankfully I brought a flashlight as its black as dark down there

[@jamielieberg7053]

I love your videos thanks so much for doing this one one thing is I am a the knights of malta

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You are so welcome!

[@Triliton]

Amazing mausoleum. Loved the tour, the voiceover with the piano music. You did them worty, and thank you for telling us their story.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you so much 💓

[@ronaldw2700]

I could be totally wrong, but even back then it seems 10,000 pounds was a good deal for all that. Thanks for the story.😃

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Huge amount of money back then

[@kimstride3355]

Amazing story! Thanks for sharing!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@edwardmccrindle7252]

Wow it is lovely thanks Sue for the video

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

You're very welcome 🙏

[@pippadot679]

Sue, what an amazing find you did here really enjoyed this. So many new things to see. Thank you for the beautiful story. The Robert French sculpture all I can say is wow!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

WOW is exactly how it looked

[@sonnytaylor3003]

Another amazing find!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kathywebber8621]

Wow beautiful video. Thank you Sue for sharing. I hope you are doing well. Blessings Kathy.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you! You too!

[@lorriesouthall7866]

That was a gorgeous carving with such delicate etchings and precision perfect! Those steps going up would do me in, it would take me 20 minutes to get back down,lol. Ty for the video, it’s great. Tc and stay safe always.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks a million 😊

[@robinbarrett5301]

Beautiful

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It really is Robin

[@janetslicer3637]

I have seen this place along with my husband before he died. I had just found KZbin and this was one of the most beautiful places we had ever seen. Thank you for showing me again. ♥️ XO I think there is more to the story to this place relating to Russia too.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes, there's a lot of information about Russia, Kathleen was even imprisoned, there's more info under the video. Thanks Janet, thinking of you and your son, rest peacefully to your husband. Memories are hard sometimes but priceless ❤️❤️

[@benerval7]

That is an amazing place with wonderful materials and craftsmanship.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It is fantastic, amazing craftsmanship

[@jenniffer9034]

What a nice history lesson ❤❤❤ Beautiful mausoleum

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rogercarroll2551]

WOW !

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Absolutely agree

[@choppermike3329]

Just amazing! Beautiful place for rest eternal. Nice video.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks a lot!

[@robertwomack6015]

Beautiful just beautiful ❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you! 😊

[@clarkrobertson7982]

Really interesting history. What an incredible sculpture of Robert Ffrench! A beautiful mausoleum!

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It really is! Definitely the nicest I've visited

[@jonibarger3147]

Everything is incredible. I have to watch this occasionally.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

One of my favourites

[@gregturnbow7089]

The stained glass is absolutely beautiful, what craftsmanship. God bless you.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Yes, it's absolutely amazing, inside the mausoleum is probably the best craftsmanship I've ever seen

[@lightningjac5640]

So beautiful! Enjoying your videos. Love going on walks in cemeteries and remembering those gone on before. So many stories can be told from a simple head stone. Blessings to ya

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it, yes I agree with you

[@thelmaguaetta1109]

Back when Marijuana was illegal in New York state, my favorite priest who was my philosophy professor in college and whose masses I attended with my children, kept his Marijuana stash in the church tabernacle. He was the most delightful Irishman I ever knew. He died too young and all these years later, I continue to miss him and to pray for his soul and spirit. An amazing man who worked tirelessly for racial equality and the rights of women. I could write books of his good deeds. I am partial to Irish clergy because of our Father Bill.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Rest in peace Father Bill, he sounds like he was an amazing man

[@barbarawade8805]

So beautiful and great information on family history.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sharonhubbard606]

This is so interesting and a beautiful story. It is sad, though, that the castle was not used per Kathleen's wishes. The hidden mausoleum seems almost as a fairy tale.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It was, a fairy tale, at least that's how I felt too.

[@meichelle2000]

Wowww!! By far my most favorite of your videos so far

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks so much 😊

[@suzieaustin.5905]

Wow that's awesome. beautiful place. be careful. Hope you are feeling better ❣️❣️

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thank you, getting there Suzie 🙏

[@255Johan]

Great video, thank you!!!❤

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@BtA-k2h]

That was amazing. Thank you for doing this work.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@raginaiverson-fg9di]

Most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing. Shame on those who vandalize resting places.

[@SerenitySueGraveyards]

It's very sad 😔