Dovecote at The Manor

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 Stanton St Quintin survives well and is a good example of this class of building retaining nearly all of its original features. Apart from the dormer windows inserted in the 1930s it retains much of its original character. The dovecote is unusual in having an internal wall in a circular construction.

Details

The monument includes a circular dovecote located in the grounds of Stanton Manor Hotel. The dovecote is circular standing approximately 9m high with a diameter of 8m. It is of rubblestone construction with a conical stone slate roof. There is a square timber lantern at the apex of the roof with flight holes, surmounted by a ball finial and two modern dormer windows on the north and south sides. On the north side there is a single low door with a large wooden lintel. The interior is lined by simple `L' shaped nesting boxes and bisected by a central dividing wall with nest boxes on either side increasing the number to 900. The walls are coated with lime wash and there are alighting ledges every four stages. The dovecote, which is Listed Grade II, is the only survival of the medieval manor house and buildings which were demolished and replaced in the mid-19th century. The buildings and boundaries which fall within the dovecote's 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:

31657

Legacy System:

RSM

End of official list entry

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