Dovecotes

A dovecote, or pigeon house, is a purpose-built structure intended to shelter pigeons or doves. Historically, the birds provided a reliable source of meat and eggs, as well as feathers and guano, which was valued as a fertilizer. Dovecotes played a significant role in agrarian and monastic economies, and in some regions symbolized status within estates.

Construction and layout vary widely. Dovecotes can be freestanding towers, built into walls, or integrated into larger farm buildings. They typically contain numerous nesting niches or galleries, arranged in tiers. Access holes face outward and are often small to restrict entry to the intended species. Floors may be solid or perforated, and materials range from stone and brick to timber and plaster. Many are designed to be easy to maintain, with vents for ventilation and drainage to prevent damp.

History and distribution. Dovecotes were widespread across medieval Europe and remained common into early modern periods. France is particularly noted for its pigeonniers, though similar structures appear throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa, and parts of Asia. In many places, dovecotes became architectural landmarks and were incorporated into manor houses, churches, and castles. Some dovecotes are now protected as cultural heritage, valued for both their historical function and distinctive design.

Modern status and use. Today most dovecotes are preserved for their historical and aesthetic value, or repurposed as storage, gardens, or other uses on private estates. In contemporary settings, regulations on keeping pigeons and maintaining historic structures may apply, especially where dovecotes are listed or situated on protected property.