Building record MLI33564 - Dovecote to The Old Hall, Barholm
Summary
An early 17th century dovecote or pigeoncote at the Old Hall, Barholm.
Type and Period (3)
- DOVECOTE (Post Medieval - 1603 AD to 1699 AD)
- YARD ? (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
- CONSTRUCTION TRENCH (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
A dovecote or pigeoncote which is contemporary with The Old Hall at Barholme. The structure contains approximately 1500 nest boxes {1} and is gabled and finialled, with two louvred turrets and stone-lined nesting boxes. {2}
The dovecote is a very large, rectangular, stone structure with a gabled, tiled roof with finials at each corner and on the apex of the gables. There are two louvred turrets on the ridge of the roof. The building is tall and has a glazed window in each gable end. Large quoin stones have been used at each corner of the building and as a dressing for the doorway. The doorway itself is small and still has an old wooden door complete with original key. The interior walls are lined, from the floor to the tops of the gables, with stone next boxes, totalling approximately 1500. Each tier of next boxes has a continuous alighting ledge underneath. One of the gables has been rebuilt and has brick next boxes instead of stone. There is a central stone structure which is almost covered up by guano. The structure is both listed and scheduled. {3}{4}
A building survey undertaken in 2016 recorded the rebuilding in detail and suggested several phases of construction and alteration {5}{6}. The lintel over the door is of uncommon type and may have been reused from a fireplace in the hall or other nearby building. The stone window frames may also be contemporary to this. The central stone structure, a table, also appears to have been made from reused material. While local tradition suggests it may be an alter or tomb slab, a former hearth piece may be a more likely source. Previous repair work was noted as while the original mortar was made from local subsoil, a more conventional lime morter had been used. Changes to the roof and the addition of a lean-to were also noted, likely dating to the 20th century.
A service trench exacavated in 2016 outside of the dovecote recorded a possible gravelled yard surface, and a construction cut for the building containing a large limestone block. {5}{6}
Sources/Archives (6)
- <1> SLI2344 Index: Ordnance Survey. Ordnance Survey Card Index. TF 01 SE: 6.
- <2> SLI1062 Bibliographic Reference: Nikolaus Pevsner and John Harris, with Nicholas Antram. 1989. Buildings of England: Lincolnshire (Second Edition). p.116.
- <3> SLI8342 Index: Department of the Environment. 1987. List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. 5/8.
- <4> SLI5399 Scheduling Record: English Heritage. 1999. Scheduling document 22743. MPP 22.
- <5> SLI18778 Report: 2016. Historic Building Recording With Archaeological Monitoring At The Dovecote, Barholm Old Hall, Barholm, Lincolnshire. APS Site Code BADC16.
- <6> SLI18779 Archive: 2016. Historic Building Recording With Archaeological Monitoring At The Dovecote, Barholm Old Hall, Barholm, Lincolnshire. LCNCC: 2016.62.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 08862 10706 (14m by 11m) Surveyed |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | BARHOLM AND STOWE, SOUTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (3)
Related Events/Activities (3)
- Event - Intervention: Archaeological Monitoring at The Dovecote, Barholm Old Hall, Barholm (ELI14512)
- Event - Survey: Historic Building Recording of The Dovecote, Barholm Old Hall, Barholm (ELI14511)
- Event - Survey: Site visit to dovecote, Barholm Old Hall (ELI659)
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Feb 26 2025 10:58AM
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