Willington Dovecote and Stables explained

Willington Dovecote and Stables
Mapframe:yes
Coordinates:52.136°N -0.385°W
Type:Dovecote and stables
Location:Willington, Bedfordshire, England
Built:c. 1541
Built For:Sir John Gostwick
Designation1:Grade I

Willington Dovecote & Stables is a National Trust property located in Willington, near Bedford, Bedfordshire, England. Both buildings are Grade I listed.

Overview

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.

External links