Dovecot 45 Metres East Of Manley Old Hall

MANLEY C.P. SUGAR LANE SJ 57 SW (North Side) 3/19 Dovecot 45m east of Manley Old Hall 8/1/1970 II

Formerly gatehouse or porch to the original Manley Hall, later dovecot: probably late Medieval origins, converted to dovecot, dated 1660, and repairs of 1799 recorded. Dressed buff Manley sandstone with upper portion in orange brick, no roof survives. Square in plan. 2-storey, 1-bay west front. Foundations have projecting course that may have carried a wooden bridge over the moat. Above is a partly blocked doorway under a chamfered lintel which has a worn inscription that may read: REPAIRED BY ....._..0_TEN OF THE INNER TEMPLE A.D. MDCCXCIX

Within the brick upper portion is another worn stone plaque reading:

? ERECTED TO JOHN? SONNE TO ROBART AND ELIZABETH DAVIES OF ASHTON 1660.

Rear has original doorway, again with chamfered lintel. Interior: Contains stone stairway to upper level which has up to 5 tiers of nest boxes surviving. Joist holes of original 1st floor survive in the stonework.

John Davies is reported to have drowned in the moat of Manley Hall,the outline of which is still visible today.

Listing NGR: SJ5046072630