Dovecote To The West Of Crudwell Court

Dovecote. The first version is probably late 13th century, while the second is early 18th century. Both are circular structures built of coursed rubble. The roofs, originally of stone slates, had collapsed shortly before August 1986. Each dovecote features an open doorway to the south, which has a wooden lintel and architrave. Internally, nine tiers of nesting boxes remain intact, extending to a height of 2 metres. The 1341 Nonarum Inquisitions refer to a dovecote attached to the Crudwell rectory, which belonged to Malmesbury Abbey. The original dovecote was likely built as part of improvements to the estate made by William of Colerne, who became abbot in 1260 and oversaw the rebuilding of the church between 1260 and 1288.