Dovecote 250m north west of Barnby Hall

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.

The standing and buried remains of the dovecote 250m north west of Barnby Hall are well preserved. The building retains two phases of nest box design and construction, using two different types of material. The interior, particularly the nesting boxes, the old ground surface beneath the dovecote and any sub-surface features will all retain important archaeological, ecological and environmental evidence. Taken as a whole, the dovecote 250m north west of Barnby Hall will enhance our understanding of the construction and use of dovecotes in the area and their position in the wider landscape.

Details

The monument includes the standing and below ground remains of a late medieval dovecote, which stands to the rear of Dovecote Farm. The dovecote, which is Listed Grade II, is circular in plan, is constructed of stone rubble surmounted by a row of bricks, and measures approximately 19.2m in circumference and 4.6m high. The roof is conical in shape and tiled, and there is a doorway with a wooden lintel in the north west side which is the only opening in the lower level of the dovecote. A stone ledge runs around the building just below the eaves and a series of pigeon holes are situated just above this on the south side of the dovecote. The interior is lined with nest boxes, although on the north side some of these are now missing. There are two phases of nest box building evident in the dovecote, the earliest being of stone with stone flight ledges beneath each box. Later repairs were made in brick and pantile, with the nest boxes being much more simple in design and situated closer together. A floor, spreading approximately half way across the dovecote, has been inserted. The nest boxes have been used to support the joists which in turn support the floor. A farm building which abuts the dovecote on its northern side, where it falls within the dovecote's protective margin, is excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 1 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

29951

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Severn, J, Dovecotes of Nottinghamshire, (1986), 8

End of official list entry

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