Dovecotes (Shire Library)

It is widely held that it was the Normans who introduced pigeon-keeping to Britain, and the earliest provision of housing for pigeons is found in some twelfth-century castles and religious buildings. This book explains why it was important to keep pigeons and describes the wide variety of buildings that were constructed to house them over the years. This distinctive architectural development is followed through from the earliest to the most recent, including some that have captured the fancy of great architects.

The late Peter Hansell and his wife Jean, both retired physicians, spent many years travelling and researching for a detailed study of dovecotes and related topcis, with particular reference to Great Britain. Armed with cameras and noteboooks, they have combined the pleasures of exploration in both urban areas and unspoilt countryside with the joys of discovering not only dovecotes, but many kind and generous people whose land they stand.