Work on pyramid in forest park would be fitting tribute to Lord Garvagh

(Gordon Lucy’s article appeared on April 13, ‘Shortest-serving prime minister had family roots in Co Londonderry’)

The pyramid mausoleum was erected c.1820-30 by George Canning’s cousin, also confusingly called George Canning, later Lord Garvagh.

Lord Garvagh and his more famous cousin with the same name, were both born in Garvagh. In 1818 he was created Baron Garvagh and went on the Grand Tour. Perhaps inspired by visiting Egypt or by Freemasonry interests, or the fashion of the time, he had this pyramid erected and intended it to be his last resting place.

However he died in France in 1840 and so was not buried in the pyramid mausoleum in Garvagh.

The pyramid is 21 feet high on an 18 foot square base and is located on the edge of Garvagh Forest Park. It is well built of ashlar stone and is now surrounded by trees. His wife, who survived him for 51 years, did not choose to be buried there and so the vault is empty.

It is an impressive structure and though well built, needs some careful maintenance. The Follies Trust, which conserves small, interesting buildings, like the Garvagh pyramid, is hoping to persuade Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to undertake light remedial work on it.

It would be a fitting tribute to the man who left an interesting piece of architectural heritage for us to enjoy as well as importing some huge crows for the park at Garvagh. Their descendants are still there too!

Edward and Primrose Wilson, Portadown