Dovecote at Manor Farm, South Stoke

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 dovecote at Manor Farm survives well with its interior substantially intact. In addition, both the design and scale of its construction and unusual internal features make it a particularly good example of its class, form and date.

Details

The monument includes a 17th century dovecote, situated in a farmyard which contains other contemporary buildings including a granary. The dovecote, which is Listed Grade II*, is square in plan with four gables and is unusually large for dovecotes of the period. Its construction in brick is also unusual for gabled designs and incorporates uncommon circular openings to allow pigeon access. Internally it contains 1,500 nest boxes as well as the remains of scaffolding walkways which survive, in part, on all three levels. These are particularly rare with few examples recorded in the country. The boundary wall which abuts the dovecote, where it falls within the area of protection, is excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath it is included.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 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:

30847

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Hansell, P, Hansell, J, Doves and Dovecotes, (1988), 54,136

End of official list entry

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