The single storey tomb was built in 1735 on the site of a 1502 chapel for the Niddrie Marischal family who were the lairds of the area for over 600 years. It formed part of Niddrie House which was demolished in in the 1950s to clear land for the housing estate in which it incongruously sits today.
There is
unconfirmed anecdotal evidence of a lower basement level, filled in
following the demolition of the mansion house.
The original
wrought iron screen can be seen in front of a modern steel door,
above which is a carved shield showing stars and sheaths of corn
along with the inscriptions “Industria Ditat” (Labour enriches)
and “Parta Tuere” (“Defend what you have earned”).
It is sometimes
open for Doors Open Day during which visitors can examine the
interior of the mausoleum which includes a grave slab dating from
1587.
Between 34 and 36
Niddrie House Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4TU
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