Building record 5349/0/1 - Apethorpe Dovecote

A dovecote at Apethorpe Hall constructed circa 1740 and converted into a water tower during the early 20th century. It is circular in plan with an domed roof, constructed of limestone and ashlar with a Collyweston slate (i.e. Lincolnshire limestone) roof. The Dovecote is both a Listed Building and a Scheduled Monument.

{3} C17th circular dovecote with cupola.

{4} 7th Earl of Westmorland built circular dovecote in 1740; sited to north of hall; coarsed rubble with brick nesting boxes; glover; built by Edward Frame mason of Woodnewton;,

{5} Dovecote built c.1740 for Earl of Westmorland.

{6} Dovecote now used as water tower; built c.1740 for Earl of Westmorland by Woodnewton mason Edward Frame; circular building of squared coursed limestone with domed Collyweston slate roof; plank door; glazed lantern was formerly glover; nesting boxes noted as modified for water tower.

{7} Dovecote, now water tower. C1740 for Earl of Westmorland by Edward Frame, a mason of Woodnewton. Squared coursed limestone with Collyweston slate roof. Circular plan. Plank door under wood lintel. Moulded ashlar cornice. Domed roof with glazed lantern, formerly the glover. Converted into water tower early C20. Interior not inspected but nesting boxes noted as modified when converted to water tower. Scheduled as an Ancient Monument. (RCHM: An Inventory of Architectural Monuments in North Northamptonshire: p14)

{8} Dovecote, c.1740 for Earl of Westmorland. The stonework is in good condition although minor works are required to the roof. Laths are rotting and tiles are loose. Urgent repairs in hand.

{9} Photographs;

{10} Two undated photos.

{11} The dovecote at Apethorpe Hall was assessed by the Oxford Archaeological Unit in 1995 as part of the Monuments Protection Programme. It was recommended for De-Scheduling due to its loss of internal integrity; the nest boxes have been filled in and it has been converted into a water tower.

{12} Probably built to a design by Roger Morris. After falling out of use as a Dovecote in the 19th century the building was converted into a water tower. While the structure of the main dome and lantern/cupola was well designed and soundly constructed the support of the lower 'skirt' roof proved inadequate. The whole weight of the dome has to be supported on the floating dome base however the 'skirt' structure cannot contain these forces. When the water tank structure was added in the early 20th century the steel beams provided vital support and may have prevented the structure from collapsing.

{13} Set in former garden compartment known as Dovecote Close.

{14} For a discussion of the philosophy behind the chosen site of the dovecote in its original landscape setting, please see the English Heritage survey, research and analysis report on Apethorpe Hall.

<1> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, p.7 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN40683.

<2> 1799, The Westmorland Papers, 7.XV (unchecked) (Document). SNN42177.

<3> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.84 (checked) (Series). SNN1320.

<4> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1984, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.8+14 (checked) (Series). SNN77384.

<5> 1998, Buildings At Risk Survey, p.44 (checked) (Report). SNN43352.

<6> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, p.7 G12 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN40683.

<7> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 18/8 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<8> ENGLISH HERITAGE, 2008, Heritage at Risk Register, 2008, p.38 (checked) (Catalogue). SNN106096.

<9> Collins P., 1972, Dovecotes: With Particular Reference to the Dovecotes of Northamptonshire (Dissertation). SNN71824.

<10> Photographs of buildings in Apethorpe (Photographs). SNN111852.

<11> OXFORD ARCHAEOLOGICAL UNIT, 1995, Monuments Protection Programme Step 3 report: Site Evaluation for Ice Houses, Site 31 (Report). SNN113460.

<12> Hill, N, 2013, Apethorpe Hall, Apethorpe, Northamptonshire. The Dovecot Roof - Historic Buildings Report (Report). SNN114908.

<13> McOmish, D, Barber, M, & Grady, D, 2005, Landscape Assessment at Apethorpe Hall, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN113427.

<14> Cattell, J. (Ed.), 2007, Apethorpe Hall: Survey, Research and Analysis Volume 1, p. 80-83, 106 (Report). SNN106269.

<15> Historic England, Apethorpe Hall, Apethorpe, BF061840 (Archive). SNN114909.

Record last edited

Mar 27 2023 12:11PM