In the medieval period, dovecotes were usually large, circular structures built of stone and topped with pointed roofs. Occasionally, however, there were timber-framed versions that were rectangular, square or even polygonal in shape, and others with domed roofs. They were referred to as ‘culverhouses’ (English), ‘columbaria’ (Latin) and ‘doocots’ (Scots). Doves and pigeons were kept by wealthy, elite families for food as well as for their feathers, and to have a dovecote was an easily recognisable status symbol.
In England, the establishment and use of dovecotes can be found in the Norman period; around 1066 to1154. Up until the seventeenth century, the right to keep doves was a privilege enjoyed exclusively by the aristocratic elite. For this reason, dovecotes created before this period are almost always found within or close to castles and great houses. They could prove a useful objective in a scenario driven game, as a hiding place for the clergy (think priest holes in the ECW) or as a location for a stash of treasure etc.
I've gone for the timber framed version as it fits well stylistically with the other buildings in the range although the temptation to do a brick/stone version is still there. Researching the dovecote led to some remarkable examples of the this type of building like the one below (Willington Dovecote in Befordshire) but keeping it fairly simple for moulding and casting purposes was a priority.
Some European examples are even more extravagant and maybe in the future I'll have a look at making one.
As with all new buildings going in the catalogue, this one has a removable roof and simple interior although with the interior being 65mm deep some long fingers might be needed for access. It comes in three separate parts; the main body, the roof and the cupola (as shown below).
I will be doing a short tutorial on combining this with one of my outhouses in the near future. Although they usually stood on their own there's no reason why an outbuilding couldn't have been attached at some point after the original buildings construction; as is seen so often through architectural history. The start of the tutorial can be seen below and hopefully it will inspire you to make your own combinations.
cheers
James
OSHIROmodels
Fascinating - looking forward to seeing the outbuilding combination