Details

The monument includes a dovecot, situated on the south western side of Wadebridge, on the southern side of the River Camel. The dovecot survives as a circular stone-built structure, measuring up to 5m in diameter externally, with a restored corbelled stone-built conical roof. There is a single enlarged pedestrian doorway and an access hole for birds in the roof. In the interior are holes for over 132 nesting boxes plus through-holes and timber holes.

The dovecote once belonged to Trevanion Manor. According to Henderson it may date back to the 13th century. It is known locally by the medieval name of 'Culverhouse'.

Sources: HER:-
PastScape Monument No:-430967

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Dovecotes are specialised structures designed for the breeding and keeping of doves as a source of food and as a symbol of high social status. Most surviving examples were built in the period between the 14th and the 17th centuries, although both earlier and later examples are documented. They were generally freestanding structures, square or circular in plan and normally of brick or stone, with nesting boxes built into the internal wall. They were frequently sited at manor houses or monasteries. Whilst a relatively common monument class (1500 examples are estimated to survive out of an original population of c.25000), most will be considered to be of national interest, although the majority will be listed rather than scheduled. They are also generally regarded as an important component of local distinctiveness and character. Despite some restoration and visitor pressure, the dovecote 90m SSE of Trevanion House survives well and is one of the best preserved dovecotes in Cornwall. It will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, function, agricultural and social significance and overall landscape context.

Source: Historic England