Dovecote Of Former Manor House

TL 14NW WILLINGTON CHURCH END

4/117 Dovecote of former Manor House 13.7.64 GV I

Dovecote, originally belonging to Manor House. Probably between 1535 and 1541. Built by Sir John Gostwick, at one time Master of the Horse to Cardinal Wolsey and later in service of Henry VIII as Treasurer and Receiver-General of the First Fruits and Tenths at the Dissolution. Coursed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings, possibly reused from Newnham Priory (dissolved 1535). Clay tile roof. Rectangular building divided into 2 square chambers by central cross-wall. This and end gables are crow-stepped, with moulded copings and kneelers. Roof is divided into 2 pitches by band of wooden louvres. S elevation : one small hipped dormer with wood mullion to LH chamber. One small doorway to each chamber, both with 4-centred arches and moulded dripstones, that to LH with moulded stops. Relieving arch to RH door set higher than that to LH. E elevation has square-headed lancet. Interior : each chamber contains about 700 nesting boxes, built of stone with a brick lintel to each opening. The E chamber has a 2-stage potence. (Willington Dovecote and Stable, Tudor Farm Buildings, National Trust leaflet with text by J Godber).

Listing NGR: TL1065749968