Reasons for Designation
Dovecotes are specialised structures designed for the breeding and keeping of
doves as a source of food and as a symbol of high social status. Most
surviving examples were built in the period between the 14th and the 17th
centuries, although both earlier and later examples are documented. They were
generally freestanding structures, square or circular in plan and normally of
brick or stone, with nesting boxes built into the internal wall. They were
frequently sited at manor houses or monasteries. Whilst a relatively common
monument class (1500 examples are estimated to survive out of an original
population of c.25,000), most will be considered to be of national interest,
although the majority will be listed rather than scheduled. They are also
generally regarded as an important component of local distinctiveness and
character.
Details
The monument includes a 17th century brick-built slate-roofed dovecote
surmounted by a later wooden square cupola or lantern. It is located in a
field to the south west of Great Eccleston village 150m north east of
Gradwells. The dovecote measures 4.7m square with a door on the north east
side and a window above. Both door and window have arched lintels of vertical
bricks and the doorway has jambs of rounded brick edges with inset dressed
stone blocks for the door hinges and catch. Traces of an external string
course survive, formed of a double course of brick tiles projecting from the
walls about halfway up. This is said to be a `rat course' designed to prevent
rats and other predators climbing the vertical walls and entering via the
flight holes which would have been located in the lantern on top of the roof.
This string course would have also functioned as a sunning ledge and perch for
the doves. Internally there are ten rows of brick nest boxes each originally
having nine boxes to each row. However, later modifications to the dovecote
have disturbed a small number of these nest boxes. The dovecote is a Grade II
Listed Building.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
32820
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
