Strathcona Mausoleum

Neo-classical mausoleum of polished Peterhead granite having pediment and engaged Doric columns and piasters. The interior has a polychrome (black and white) mosaic floor and stained glass window.

Architect(s) Not known

Year Created 1914

Style Neo-Classical

History Donald Alexander Smith (1820-1914), First Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal was born in Scotland but emigrated to Canada. He became MP for Winnipeg, Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company and Director of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He was instrumental in forming the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and from 1890 he was High Commissioner for Canada in London. Also interred here are his wife Isabella Sophia (1825-1913) and their daughter Margaret, who inherited the title (d 1926). It is said that Lord Strathcona would have been buried in Westminster Abbey had it not been for his wish to be laid to rest alongside his wife who had died in November the previous year. In 1987 Lord Strathcona's descendants raised funds to have the mausoleum restored. It is now used as a base by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery, who allow the public to view the interior.

Condition Good (2002)

Sources C Brooks, Mortal Remains (1989) 151; Felix Barker and John Gay, Highgate Cemetery, Victorian Valhalla (1984) 43; Hugh Meller: London Cemeteries: an Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer (1985) 43; Jean Pateman: In Highgate Cemetery (Friends of Highgate Cemetery, 1992); Annual Review of the Friends of Highgate Cemetery, 2000/2001, 3.

Links Highgate Cemetery website

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