Portumna Heritage Trail

22.The Millers Mausoleum

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In 1897 a mausoleum, commonly referred to as ‘Miller’s Vault’, was erected on the eastern side of the Portumna Church Cemetery by a Mr Miller, a wealthy, English Protestant. With its vermiculated decoration it is quite unique in the town. The classic building is the final resting place of two of his children and his father-in-law, Portumna man, Patrick Coen. The romantic love story associated with the monument is worth reading about in Portumna’s latest history publication. Who were the Millers who are commemorated here and where did they live because there are no longer any Millers in the town?

Well, look no more - the recently digitally released Folklore Commission stories for the Portumna area tell the origin of the Miller family in the area – a beautiful romantic story... or legend! Have a read here:

Description

Freestanding mausoleum, erected c.1870. Pitched stone flagged roof with stone Celtic cross finial. Ashlar limestone walls having cut-stone plinth course, cut-stone string course to eaves level, vermiculated quoins, and carved name plaque to front. Vermiculated quoins to sloping sides of gable. Pointed arch entrance with vermiculated stone surround and cast-iron door with strap hinges. Located within grounds of former Catholic parish church.

Appraisal

This modestly sized Gothic Revival mausoleum was erected for the Miller family. It is clearly the work of a skilled mason, as shown in the vermiculated stonework, carved cross and stone flags to the roof. The mausoleum is part of an important group of religious structures, along with the adjacent churches and former convent. The term 'vermiculated' comes from the Latin word for worms, as the carving resembles wormcasts, and is therefore a suitable treatment for a mausoleum.