Dovecote 60m north of Place Manor Cottage

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 60m north of Place Manor Cottage survives well and includes some of the main components of its internal furniture which increases its archaeological importance. It is a good example of a large, late medieval manorial dovecote. In addition, it has been identified as a nationally important example of its class, form and date in a national survey of dovecotes. If it is indeed early 16th century in origin then its importance would be further enhanced.

Details

The monument includes a 16th or 17th century dovecote situated some distance from the associated manor house known as Place Manor, Streatley. The dovecote has a circular plan with a diameter of approximately 7m and is built of flint rubble with some sarsen stone and brick decoration. This includes a single band of brick just under halfway up the door which it frames before encircling the whole structure. The interior contains 350 nest boxes built of red brick and set into the walls. The interior furniture includes a platform and potence although the associated ladder has gone. Although only surviving in places, the walls retain some evidence of whitewash having been applied throughout at some point in the buildings history. The roof is conical and tile covered with a dormer window and a lantern cupola which has a louvred wooden construction. The dovecote is a Listed Building Grade II.

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:

30850

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
SMR WB 2620, SMRO, Place Manor, Streatley, (2002)
MPP Dovecote Assessment, OAU, Place Manor, Streatley, (1995)

End of official list entry

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