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 17th century dovecote, situated close to and in the
grounds of Culham Manor. It is acknowledged to be the second largest dovecote
built in England (the largest was at St Pancras Priory in Lewes, Sussex) and
is now the largest surviving structure of its class.
The dovecote, which is Listed Grade II*, was constructed in 1685 by Charles
Budd, and there is a date stone immediately above the door.
The dovecote is rectangular in plan and is built of stone rubble with brick
dressings around the doorway and the four corners. The interior forms a double
chamber containing a total of about 4,000 nesting boxes. The boxes are built
of specially made brick and line all of the interior walls including the
partition between the two chambers. The interior has no surviving furniture,
and there are no signs of alighting ledges associated with the nest holes.
The roof is gabled and tiled, with two raised wooden turrets at its apex.
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.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
30848
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
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
