Dovecote at Bodorgan home farm

Cadw's description

Location

The dovecote lies directly S of the main courtyard range (barn, stables and cartsheds) at Bodorgan Home Farm; c. 50m directly N of the main house at Bodorgan.

History

Bodorgan was one of a number of townships from which the Bishop of Bangor derived his income, and is first recorded in 1306. The estate forms the Anglesey seat of the Meyrick family, whose ancestors were tenants from late C14, the surname first documented in 1537. The estate expanded from the early C18 onwards, and by late C19 was the largest on the island. The main house (built 1779-83) was designed by John Cooper, architect of Beaumaris, who also designed some of the outbuildings, built in 1782, possibly including the dovecote. Shown on the Llangadwaladr Tithe map of 1843.

Exterior

Circular dovecote tower of red brick built on a rubble base; modern conical slate roof with octagonal louvred cupola, replacement for lantern, surmounted by a weathervane. The base is predominantly gritstone with a plinth around the circumference. Brick in English Garden bond with 3 rows of pigeonholes, with slate perches, to the top; above the pigeonholes are 3 courses of header bricks, the top course slightly advanced. Door to N side with segmental head, above which is a tall opening, partly blocked, also with segmental head.

Interior

Walls are whitewashed and there are 7 rows of nesting holes; stone flag floor.

Reason for designation

Listed as a fine example of a C18 dovecote. It forms part of a complete group with the other agricultural and estate buildings at the home farm of Bodorgan.