Dunster Dovecote, Grade II* listed dovecote in Dunster, England.
Dunster Dovecote is a round stone building with a cone-shaped slate roof located in Somerset, England. The thick walls and ventilation louvres were designed to maintain comfortable conditions for hundreds of pigeons nested throughout its interior.
Built in the 14th century for a Benedictine monastery, the dovecote became property of the Luttrell family after the monastery closed in 1539. The family maintained ownership and made adjustments to the building over the centuries that followed.
The dovecote represented wealth and status for the local nobility who owned it. Pigeons kept here provided both food and valuable droppings used to enrich the surrounding farmland.
The dovecote features a revolving ladder mechanism that provides convenient access to the upper nesting areas without needing scaffolding. The building sits in the heart of Dunster village, making it straightforward to visit while exploring the surrounding streets.
In the 18th century, the floor levels were raised and lower nesting holes were sealed to prevent rats from reaching the pigeons. This practical adjustment shows how owners adapted the structure to solve problems they encountered over time.
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