Willington Dovecote and Stables
| Willington Dovecote and Stables | |
|---|---|
 The dovecote | |
 | |
| Type | Dovecote and stables |
| Location | Willington, Bedfordshire, England |
| Coordinates | 52°08′10″N 0°23′06″W / 52.136°N 0.385°W |
| Built | c. 1541 |
| Built for | Sir John Gostwick |
Listed Building – Grade I | |
| Designated | 13 July 1964 |
Willington Dovecote & Stables is a National Trust property located in Willington, near Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. Both buildings are Grade I listed.[1][2]
Overview
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The property is a 16th-century stable and stone dovecote, which contains nesting boxes for over 1500 pigeons.
The dovecote and stables themselves were commissioned by Sir John Gostwick. Completed in around 1541, they were made from the remains of a manorial complex, and include stones most likely taken from local priories, in particular Newnham Priory, after the dissolution of the monasteries.
A signature on the stone above the fireplace in the stables reads "John Bunyan 1650" but Historic England doubts its authenticity.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Historic England. "Dovecote of former manor house (Grade I) (1321578)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
- ^ a b Historic England. "Stables of former manor house (Grade I) (1114191)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 19 August 2014.