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 circular stone dovecote, located approximately 60m
west of the late 18th/early 19th century house known as Barton Court. Barton
Court was held by the Brooks family in the 16th century. The dovecote is
rubble built with a 20th century rendered and whitewashed exterior and is a
Listed Building Grade II*.
The dovecote is believed to date from the middle of the medieval period and
has an external diameter of approximately 5.5m, with the eaves level being
approximately 3m to 4m high. The inside wall has approximately 900 stone nest
holes built into it with a continuous stone alighting ledge every two rows.
The timber roof structure of the dovecote is thought to date from the 17th or
18th century. It is conical in form, surmounted by a timber cupola. The cupola
has two rows of flight holes and there are further flight holes below the
eaves.
Entrance to the dovecote is gained through a low, 1.3m high, round arched
opening with a timber door, located on the south east side, adjacent to a
wall, approximately 5m long, which connects the dovecote to the adjacent barn.
The wall runs to the south west from a point by the southern jamb of the door.
The wall is excluded from the scheduling where it falls within the monument's
margin of protection, although the ground beneath it is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31979
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals 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
