Robert Raikes (1765–1837)
Robert Raikes Esq. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1765 London, England |
| Died | 1837 |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Establishing a banking institution in Kingston upon Hull; commissioning the Raikes Mausoleum at Welton House |
Robert Raikes Esq. (1765–1837) was a London-born English banker who established a banking institution in Kingston upon Hull. After relocating in 1805, he took up residence at Welton House in Welton, East Riding of Yorkshire, where in 1818 he commissioned the construction of a family mausoleum situated on the northern grounds of the estate. He was the son of William Raikes, who had previously erected a mausoleum at St Mary’s Churchyard in Woodford, London.
Biography
Robert Raikes was the second-born son of William Raikes (1737–1800), a merchant, and Martha Pelly (d. 1797), whose family had banking connections.
In 1789, he wed Anne Williamson, daughter of William Wilkinson of Welton House. The couple resided in Essex until 1805 before moving to Welton House in Welton, East Riding of Yorkshire. It was there that Robert founded a bank serving the Kingston upon Hull area.
In 1818, Robert Raikes constructed the Georgian-style Raikes Mausoleum for his family; similarly, his father had built a mausoleum located in London.
Robert and Anne had four children: two sons—Thomas (born 1790) and Robert (born 1801)—and two daughters—Martha (who died in 1797) and Anne-Louisa. Notably, Thomas’s son later established a Tractarian church at Treberfydd.
Robert Raikes passed away in 1837.
The Raikes Mausoleum
Erected in 1818 for Robert Raikes, the mausoleum stands at the northern edge of Welton Dale, approximately from both Welton village and Welton House. This circular edifice features a shallow domed roof resting above a frieze adorned with triglyphs. It is set upon a circular plinth that originally had railings. Above the entrance is inscribed:
AEDIFICAVIT ROBERTUS RAIKES ARMIGER AD MDCCCXVIII
(translation) Robert Raikes, Esquire, built this. 1818 AD
The exterior is segmented into bays by eight doric pilasters; alternate bays are blind while others display relief sarcophagi. The light-colored stone façade suggests inspiration from Roman architecture. The structure measures in diameter and rises to a height of .
The surrounding grounds were consecrated as 'Welton Dale Burial ground' in 1822 but were infrequently used.
In 1960, an intrusion into the vault occurred; although a skull was taken, it was subsequently recovered. Following this event, Sir Basil Parkes, then owner of the land, permanently sealed the vault.
Since 1968, the mausoleum has held Grade II listed status.
External links
- A genealogical and heraldic history of the commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, enjoying territorial possessions or high official rank: but uninvested with heritable honours, vol. 3, John Burke, R. Bentley / J. Cumming, 1836, chapter: Raikes, of Welton House, pp. 461–462