Peacock Mausoleum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peacock Mausoleum |
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| Type | Mausoleum |
| Location | Gorton, Manchester |
| Built | C.1876 |
| Architect | Thomas Worthington |
| Architectural style(s) | Victorian |
| Governing body | Church |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Peacock Mausoleum | |
| Designated | 3 October 1974 |
| Reference no. | 388208 |
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The Peacock Mausoleum is a special building in Gorton, Manchester. It was built to remember Richard Peacock (1820–1889) and his son, Joseph Peacock. Richard Peacock was an important engineer and also a politician. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester.
This memorial building is found in the cemetery of Brookfield Unitarian Church. It was designed by a well-known architect named Thomas Worthington. The mausoleum is a very old and important building. It was officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building on October 3, 1974. This means it's a building of special historical interest.
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What is the Peacock Mausoleum?
The Peacock Mausoleum is a type of memorial building. It was built in a style called Victorian Gothic. This style looks a bit like old castles or churches. It was popular during the Victorian era.
The mausoleum is made of white stone. It has a steep roof and statues at its corners. These statues show different types of workers. They include an engineer, a blacksmith, a draughtsman (someone who draws plans), and an architect. Some people think the architect statue might even be Thomas Worthington himself!
Who was Richard Peacock?
Richard Peacock was a very important person in Manchester. He was born in 1820 and passed away in 1889. He was a talented engineer. He was also a partner in a company called Beyer, Peacock and Company. This company was famous for building train engines, also known as locomotives.
Besides his work as an engineer, Richard Peacock was also involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester. An MP is a person elected to represent their area in the country's government. Richard Peacock also helped pay for the building of the Brookfield Unitarian Church.
A Famous Architect's Design
The Peacock Mausoleum was designed by Thomas Worthington. He was a very busy architect in Manchester. He designed many buildings during his career. His work on the mausoleum shows his skill in the Victorian Gothic style.
What Does It Look Like?
A famous book series called The Buildings of England by Nikolaus Pevsner describes the mausoleum. It says the memorial is a "large three-bay shrine of white stone." This means it's a big, impressive structure. The statues on its corners add to its unique look. They represent different professions, showing the importance of work and industry during that time.
Why is it Important?
The Peacock Mausoleum is important for several reasons. First, it's a memorial to a significant local figure, Richard Peacock. He contributed a lot to engineering and politics in Manchester. Second, it's a great example of Victorian Gothic architecture. It shows the design trends of that period.
Finally, its Grade II* listing means it's a protected historical building. This ensures that it will be preserved for future generations. It's a piece of Manchester's history that stands tall today.
