Dovecote Photos
The main information we have on the Dovecote has come from the various photographs taken over the years showing the changes in function, various additions and demolitions and its state of repair. The Trustees have, in the years since they acquired the site in 1999, tried to gently and sympathetically restore it to a good condition and to bring to public attention those features contributing to its history. The adaptations which have been made have secured its survival to the present day whilst many of the 26,000 dovecotes that used to exist in this country have fallen into complete disrepair.
‘Hover’ over the photo area to pause the photo animation, and ‘Click’ on any photo to see an enlarged image.
Historic photos
The photo below, taken 1945/46 , shows the village school teacher’s daughter, Margaret End(nee Pexton) with a friend Ruth. Privately funded repairs supported by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) were carried out to the roof in 1949 and this intervention kept the Dovecote in good repair for a further half century.
The first years of the Trust - 1999-2001
Villagers enjoyed clearing the site after a long struggle to acquire it
Naunton Dovecote Conservation Society held a Great Inaugural Duck Race on 25th July 1999 to raise money to pay for a brochure to launch our great fund-raising campaign.
By 2001 the Trust had raised sufficient funds to do essential repairs to the Dovecote, including fitting specially designed steel supports to help hold the tremendous weight of the four gabled roof of Cotswold slates, which was putting undue pressure on the walls of the building. The work was carried out by Pyments of Campden.
Villagers celebrated completion of the building works and opening the building to the public with a Topping Out Ceremony held in 2001
Villagers use the Dovecote as a venue for special events, such as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee on 4 June 2002.
Recent photos
