Dunster dovecote

The dovecote at Dunster, Somerset, is probably medieval in origin, perhaps built by the monks of the Benedictine priory. Its circular shape with no windows, an entrance door, and entrance from above for the doves, is widely used in such buildings, and this form was retained through the rebuildings of the C18 and C19.

The interior has 501 nest holes and it was from these that the newly hatched nestlings (called squabs) would have been collected to provide fresh meat. During winter the older birds were gathered to provide meat at a time of year when it was scarce. The rotating ladder called the "potence" allowed easy access to the holes.

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: iPhone

Dovecote, Hellens Manor, Much Marcle

At first glance this brick and stucco octagonal building rising out of the garden at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, looks like it must be a gazebo. But no, further examination reveals that it is a dovecote. Also known as a columbarium, dovecotes were designed for the production of doves (pigeons) for the table. Their interiors typically have as many nest holes in the walls as can be squeezed into them, with ladders being used to retrieve the birds, eggs and nestlings. This example is prominently dated with the year of its construction - 1641. The large "W" denotes, Fulke and Margaret Walwyn, the owners of the manor at that time.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300