Dovecote to South East of Corby Castle

The dovecote located to the southeast of Corby Castle is a significant structure, likely built in the late 18th century, although it may have originally been a hexagonal dovecote from the 17th century. It was constructed for Philip Howard in memory of an Italian lady who passed away young. The dovecote is made of red sandstone ashlar with decorative mouldings. It features a tetrastyle temple front with a square dovecote behind, which is accessed from the rear. The portico is supported by slender Ionic columns and is reached by a short flight of stone steps. The rear wall of the portico includes three niches, and the frieze bears the inscription 'A quella che merita' (to her who merits it best). Above this is a balustraded balcony topped with a pediment that displays a carved Corby Lion. This dovecote is centrally positioned within the grounds of Corby Castle and serves as a prominent feature in the eastern view from the castle. For a detailed description of the interior, refer to Ferguson's work, "Pigeon Houses in Cumberland," published in the Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, Old series, volume 9, page 431.