One of Twickenham's most unusual historic buildings sits beside St Margaret's Catholic Church, often overlooked by people passing along St Margaret's Road. But the Kilmorey Mausoleum has a story as dramatic as its Gothic architecture.

Built in the 1850s, the mausoleum was commissioned by Francis Jack Needham, the 2nd Earl of Kilmorey, as a final resting place for his partner Priscilla Anne Hoste and their daughter.

Their relationship caused a major scandal at the time, as Priscilla was a married woman and considerably younger than the Earl.

After Priscilla died in 1854, Kilmorey arranged for an elaborate mausoleum to be constructed in Twickenham.

Designed in a striking Egyptian-Gothic style, the building features pointed arches, carved stonework and a distinctive tower, making it unlike almost anything else in the borough.

The Earl was reportedly so devoted to Priscilla that he had her coffin moved several times before finally settling on Twickenham as the permanent location.

The mausoleum originally stood closer to the River Thames, but concerns about flooding and riverbank erosion led to it being relocated brick by brick to its current site in 1868.

Today, the mausoleum is a Grade II listed building and remains privately owned by the church, although it is occasionally opened to the public for heritage events and guided tours.

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The Kilmorey Mausoleum has long fascinated historians and visitors because of both its architecture and the scandal surrounding its creation.

Victorian newspapers followed the Earl's movements closely, and rumours about the transport of Priscilla's body helped turn the mausoleum into a piece of local legend.

Its design is also unusual for the period. While many Victorian mausoleums copied classical Greek or Roman styles, this one blends Gothic revival details with Egyptian influences, reflecting the 19th century fascination with ancient cultures and romantic memorials.

The mausoleum is located next to St Margaret's Catholic Church on St Margaret's Road, a short walk from St Margarets Station.

Although the interior is not normally open, the exterior can be viewed from the church grounds and public footpaths nearby.