View source for Willington Dovecote and Stables

{{Short description|Grade I listed building in Bedfordshire}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox historic site
| name                    = Willington Dovecote and Stables
| image                   = WillingtonDovecote.JPG
| alt                     =
| caption                 = The [[dovecote]]
| mapframe                = yes
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| coordinates             = {{coord|52.136|-0.385|display=inline,title|region:GB_scale:5000}}
| gbgridref               =
| gbgridref_note          =
| type                    = [[Dovecote]] and [[stable]]s
| etymology               =
| location                = [[Willington, Bedfordshire]], England
| nearest_city            =
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| formed                  =
| founded                 =
| founder                 =
| built                   = c. 1541
| built_for               = Sir [[John Gostwick]]
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| designation1            = Grade I
| designation1_type       =
| designation1_date       = {{start date|1964|07|13|df=yes}}
}}
'''Willington Dovecote & Stables''' is a [[National Trust]] property located in [[Willington, Bedfordshire|Willington]], near [[Bedford]], [[Bedfordshire]], England. Both buildings are Grade I listed.<ref>{{NHLE |num=1321578 |desc=Dovecote of former manor house |grade=I |accessdate=19 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=“auto”>{{NHLE|num=1114191 |desc=Stables of former manor house |grade=I |accessdate=19 August 2014}}</ref>
==Overview==
[[File:WillingtonStables.JPG|thumb|left|The stables]]
The property is a 16th-century [[stable]] and stone [[dovecote]], which contains nesting boxes for over 1500 [[pigeon]]s.
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.<ref name =“auto”/>
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/willington-dovecote-and-stables Willington Dovecote & Stables information at the National Trust]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Willington Dovecote And Stables}}
[[Category:National Trust properties in Bedfordshire]]
[[Category:Grade I listed buildings in Bedfordshire]]
[[Category:Stables]]