Dovecote at Manor Farm, Draycot Cerne

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, Draycot Cerne, survives comparatively well and retains many of its original features. It is particularly unusual in that it is situated over a privy which still has internal fittings.

Details

The monument includes an 18th century dovecote situated in the garden of Manor Farm in Draycot Cerne. The dovecote, which is listed Grade II, is set into the garden wall 20m south of the house. It is square in plan 3m by 3m and 6m high including the roof. It is of roughcast rubblestone construction coated with lime render and there are large ashlar quoins and a hipped stone tiled roof surmounted by a modern lantern. The building is divided by a wooden floor below which is a privy with wooden seat situated over a small culvert. The door to the privy is towards the east of the north wall. It has a stone lintel and is slightly sunken to reach the level of the privy which is below that of the present garden. The upper storey houses the dovecote. The south east and west walls are lined with nesting boxes constructed from ashlar blocks resting on stone ledges. They are coated with lime wash. There is a tall doorway in the west wall, the base of which is 1m above the present ground level suggesting that there were formerly steps or a ladder. Modern boundary features which abut the dovecote and fall within its protective margin are 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 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:

31662

Legacy System:

RSM

End of official list entry

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