Fife Mausoleum, Duff House

Image: © Ralph Greig Taken: 27 Oct 2024

About a mile south of Duff House, in a very peaceful location looking over the river, is a Mausoleum built in 1792 by the 2nd Earl Fife, initially for his parents, but now with possibly 21 residents, including the first five Earls. The sixth Earl – who became the first Duke of Fife – was buried at Mar Lodge on Deeside, another of what was the Duff family properties. The Mausoleum is a rectangular “gothic” building, with stone latticed windows and a slate roof. When a restoration was done in 1912, one of the reasons apparently was that the then stone tiled roof was leaking, and the slate roof was put on top to make it weathertight. Other work in 1912 included filling in the crypt. As you enter through the main door in front of you are three large stones in the floor which cover the steps that went down. There was then an aisle running left and right, with a total of 22 shelves, in pairs, for coffins. The only location known of any of the listed incumbents is the First Earl and his (second) wife Jean, who are in the north-easterly corner, looking out over the river. His son, James the 2nd Earl, had them brought to the Mausoleum from Rothiemay once the Mausoleum was completed. William the first Earl Fife never lived at Duff House in his lifetime – although he had it built – but has been here now for 228 years! A list of people buried in the crypt is incised in stone just inside the door; this lists 19 people. It does get a bit confusing because two other lists have been printed in history books, and all three are slightly different. If the lists are combined a total of 21 people are spending their time in the crypt. Monuments to many of them adorn the inside of the Mausoleum itself. The first Earl’s at the east end is made of Coade stone – refer to the separate “story” of 16-Sep-19 for more information. A number of excellent examples exist around the Mausoleum, but the first Earl’s tomb is marred by the crest at the top being damaged by rusting – and hence expanding – supporting metal work. Originally the windows were filled with coloured glass; years ago fragments could be found on the ground outside, and some remnants can still be seen in the stone tracery.

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