Dovecote to east of Tiptofts (EHER 36935)

A dovecote which is probably of 17th century origin although it was either restored or entirely rebuilt in the 18th or 19th centuries. It is of red brick in English bond under a tiled half-hipped roof. It provides between 550 and 600 nesting boxes and is typical of Essex dovecotes of this date. A dovecote was certainly in existence on the site by 1611, although it is not clear whether it is the same building that exists today.

NRHE data transfer: 1996. Field survey. The dovecote was briefly examined by the Royal Commission in March 1996 following a request from English Heritage. Probable 17th century dovecote at Tiptofts Manor. Tiptofts is a Manor within the Manor of Wimbish. A dovecote, probably of 17th century origin though substantially rebuilt or restored during the 18th or 19th century. It is almost square, measuring 5.2m by 4.8m and built of red brick in English bond under a tiled half-hipped roof. It provides between 550 and 600 nesting boxes, most of which survive, though in a poor state of repair. It is typical of Essex dovecotes of this date. An estate map dated 1746 shows a similarly sized and shaped building further north; this is probably an inaccurate positioning of the present dovecote, though the possibility that it was moved after 1746 should not be ruled out. A dovecote was in existence at Tiptofts by 1611. See archive report and plan at 1:1000 scale. <1> Additional description. <2>