Details

The monument includes a circular dovecote with a corbelled and domed roof,
built of mortared limestone rubble on a small terrace of the steeply sloping
hillside. It is Listed Grade II*.
The dovecote is 6.28m in diameter with walls 0.9m thick. The height of the
eaves is 4m on the downhill side and 3m on the uphill side. The domed roof
continues for a further 2m above a stone eaves drip and remains of mortar
render survive on the roof and walls. A circular hole at the top gives access
to the interior for birds. A stone lantern over this was added in 1977 when
the building was restored.
The dovecote is entered by a low gothic arched door on the south side. Within
are 11 tiers of nesting holes, about 250 in all. Immediately east of the door
is a short length of limestone wall with a stepped foundation. This is the
remains of a demolished building which abutted the dovecote.

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.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

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 100m north of Pridhamsleigh survives well retaining most of its
internal features. Its association with nearby Pridhamsleigh reflects the
status of the 14th to 17th century courtyard mansion.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Books and journals
Copeland, G W, 'Transactions of the Devonshire Association' in Devon Dovecotes, , Vol. 41, (1937)
Other
MPP Dovecote Assessment, (1998)

Source: Historic England