What are Dovecotes?

Firstly, the term dovecote, dove house, pigeon house, culva house and columbarium used in old documents and descriptions are synonymous, and more commonly refer to a large free-standing structure in which pigeons or doves (the same) are housed. However, dovecotes can often be found incorporated into other large buildings such as barns in farmyards, stables adjoining stately houses or even church towers. Such means of cooping birds are often referred to as pigeon-lofts.

Finally, in certain parts of England, perhaps in places where business districts and broadband internet use co-exist, dovecotes proper are quite scarce, and pigeons are often housed in pigeon holes which are usually built into the exterior walls of a building. The number, shape and size of these pigeon holes can be amazing in the area and design they encompass.

Sectional Drawing Showing the General Structure of a Typical Dovecote

Notice in particular the small entrance doorway (D) bottom right; the thick walls (W) in the form of a double skin into which are built nest holes (N) and alighting ledges; a central, pivoting potence (P) - a revolving ladder - allowing access to the nests at all levels; a dormer window (B) for light and ventilation; and the glover (G) or lantern on the roof to allow the birds entrance to the pigeon house. Also on the outside was often a rat ledge (R) which ran around the building to deter rodents and predators from climbing the walls to get inside to steal the eggs and young pigeon chicks known as squabs.