Dovecote About 370 Metres South Of Bruton Church

This is a dovecote, possibly from the 16th century, located about 370 metres south of Bruton Church. It is built from local stone with Doulting stone dressings and features gabled sides on all four faces, although it is now roofless. The structure has a square plan and originally had three storeys, but the floors are now gone.

On the northeast side, there is a moulded cambered arched doorway, with two-light chamfered mullioned windows above on both levels. The northwest face has a combination of one, two, and one-light windows, while the southeast side has three blocked windows, with damage to the gable above. The southwest face has a low single light, and other windows are blocked. All window openings have holes for vertical rods. Inside, there are remains of a fireplace and space for about 200 nests.

This dovecote was likely converted from an earlier building by the Berkleys of former Bruton Abbey and may have been used for habitation at some point, as a 18th-century illustration shows a chimney in the roof. Its location suggests it may have also served as a watch tower.