The Downhill MausoleumThe Downhill MausoleumDesigned by Irish architect Michael Shanahan and erected between 1779-83. It was built in memory of the Lord Bishop of Derry's (commonly known as The Earl Bishop) elder brother George, 2nd Earl of Bristol, who died a bachelor in 1775. George was a Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, a highly esteemed viceregal position with very considerable power, patronage and influence. Going by my research the Mausoleum was depicted on the Tomb of the Julii which currently survives in the Vatican Necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica. You can see the top section of the mausoleum is missing, this is due to the great storm of 1839, the remaining sections from the top of the Mausoleum now lay at its foot in the hope of one day being restored. Happy Viewing |