More information : [TQ 8222 5290] Dovecot [NR] (remains of) [NAT] (1)
At [TQ 8222 5291] is a building known as "Chapel" (TQ 85 SW 77) and to the south end is a contemporary square brick dovecot: it is roofless and derelict. (2)
Smaller Dovecote at TQ 822 529 in grounds of former Leeds Priory, Grade II. Dovecot. Mid 16th century. Red and vitrious brick in English bond with diaper work. Ashlared stone quoins to south-west corner. Rectangular, approximately 20ft. broad and 18ft. long externally, standing to height of approximately 10ft. with wall
approximately 3ft. 6 inches thick. Calletted stone plinth with
chamfered stone coping. Roof fallen in. Narrow door less than 5ft. high towards north end of east wall, architrave of ashlared ragstone with three-centred arched head, plain chamfer and broach stops. Iron hooks for door to inside of architrave, and broad oak lintel.
Interior: nesting boxes from floor to eaves except in north wall
(rebuilt internally). Eleven boxes vertically, with continuous brick
ledges to mouths of each row. Roughly one yard south of, and aligned with, larger dovecote. Scheduled as an Ancient Monument. (3-6)
The pigeon house (or houses is at present still standing though in urgent need of repair. Originally a single building on a rubble
plinth with diaper brickwork and a crowster gable it has at some point been divided in two to provide part pigeon house and part accommodation. All roof timbers and floor timbers have collapsed into the building. It would be worthwhile to recover and replace them as the roof is of interest. (7)
Additional bibliography. (8)
This small dovecot is as described. Most of the rotting roof timbers have been removed from the interior and some of the nesting boxes have collapsed. In urgent need of repair. (9)
Additional bibliography. (10)
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