Nottinghamshire’s Dovecotes

The Trust has been involved in repairing Dovecotes for over 35 years. 

The first dovecote repaired with the aid of the Dovecote Fund was that at Wollaton Hall, which was completed under the direction of John Severn in 1986 by the Family First Projects Agency.  The work provided valuable training and experience for a team of people who had previously been unemployed for long periods.

Thoroton Dovecote

The Trust acquired one threatened dovecote, that at Thoroton, which is illustrated in the photograph to the right.

The Nottingham architect and Trust member, the late John Severn, continued his interest in dovecotes, visiting, surveying and recording numerous dovecotes throughout the county. Just before his untimely death he was working on the establishment of a Dovecote Trail, where it would be possible for members of the public to visit and view a number of dovecotes. It would be fitting to think that one day this may some time come to fruition.

The Trust has completed a scheme of refurbishment for the dovecote at Thoroton, including rethatching and repointing.  Public access is possible by arrangement through the NBPT office and an interpretation board has been erected alongside the site.