Dovecotes Through Time
A Journey from Ancient Origins to Living Heritage
Welcome to our curated list of dovecotes, spanning from the earliest known structures to those still standing today. This chronological collection showcases the architectural evolution and cultural significance of dovecotes throughout history. You can download the list below:
Inclusion on this list does not mean that the dovecote is in existence as this is an attempt to list all known dovecote from the earliest time to the present day (2025).
Further information about dovecotes on this list can be had from Alan Whitworth.
01
Small Package
Cost £5.00 single A4 Page – includes general information about location; source of information; date of source; brief notes.
02
Extended Package
Cost £10.00 Unlimited A4 Pages – Detailed notes on building; site map; diagrams; illustrations if available. All prices include postage.
Please send payment (in cash only) to Alan Whitworth
10 The Carrs,
Briggswath,
Whitby
YO21 1RR,
North Yorkshire
Our Dovecote Examples
Athelhampton Hall (Dorse)
This remarkable circular dovecote was built in the 15th century and has room inside for 1500 birds to nest.
The dovecote at Avebury (Wilts) can be found in the village street near to the barn and church.
Of ancient origins. Documentary evidence indicates a building date of between 1533 and 1569
Barforth, St. Lawrence's Chapel (Durham). One of the distinctive Tees Valley dovecotes of very early date.
Bemerton Farm (Wilts) was converted from the model farm built for the Dowager Countess of Pembroke in 1863 by Samuel Clarke.
Bentham (Glos) Timber-framed dovecote awaiting repairs and contains wood nest boxes reached through tiny original doorway.
Chastleton, nr Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxfordshire. Dated 1762 for Thomas Fothergill.
Dunster (Somerset). There is no documentary evidence for the date of construction but it some of the architectural features suggest it may have been as long ago as the 14th century. It would originally have belonged to the Benedictine Priory of Dunster.
Felbrigg Hall dovecote (Norfolk). The dovecote dates from about 1680 and is probably one of the largest and oldest in the county. Restored in 1937 by R.W. Ketton-Cremer it now belongs to the National Trust.
Garway (Herefords), has an inscription dating it to 1326 and has been described as the oldest dovecote in the country.
King's Pyon, Brook House (Herefords). One of a number of timber-framed dovecotes in the county.
Kinwarton, Glebe Farm (Warwickshire) In 1710 the dovecote with the flight of pigeons therein was let to Jeffery Hopkins, Senior, who occupied the moated manor site close by, at 12d yearly. The dovecote eventually came into the ownership of Mr William Kinnersley, who presented it to the National Trust in 1957.
Much Marcle, Hellens Manor house. Octagonal dovecote dated "1641/ W / FM " on west side.
Rockcliffe, an eight-acre plot at Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, built in 2021, is inspired by one at Rousham and is the newest dovecote erected.
Rousham House and Garden, Bicester (Oxfords). Forms part of the landscape gardens later laid out by William Kent between 1733 and 1740.
Willington, Church End, near Bedford, Bedfordshire.
Outstanding 16th-century double stone dovecote and stable building. Originally belonging to Manor House. Probably between 1535 and1541.
Built by Sir John Gostwick, at one time Master of the Horse to Cardinal Wolsey and later in service of Henry VIII as Treasurer.