History of Willington Dovecote and Stables

Tudor stables 

At approaching 500 years old, the Stables building is one of four remaining Tudor buildings commissioned by John Gostwick at Willington. 

Former living quarters

Gostwick demolished the medieval moated Manor House and commissioned a new set of buildings in their place. With its large interior and striking gables, the stables building creates an impression of how extravagant this may have once been. It’s likely this wasn’t originally intended as stables, but rather a hunting lodge or accommodation for important guests. 

There is evidence of the different ways this building may have been used in the past. The top storey is complete with a fireplace and windows offering a view over the surrounding countryside and evidence of plastered walls and ceilings, and traces of glass in the windows can still be seen. This would have provided living quarters but over time, the status of the residents varied greatly. 

16th century Dovecote 

Willington Dovecote is one of the largest and best preserved examples of a 16th century dovecote in England, and a symbol of John Gostwick’s, wealth and success. 

A symbol of wealth

During the Tudor period, pigeon was considered a luxury delicacy. Only the very wealthy could afford to rear pigeons in dovecotes which they then served at banquets or offered as gifts.  

Wanting to boast his hard-won status, John Gostwick commissioned the building of the dovecote in the 1540s, following a visit from King Henry VIII. It was a bold addition and a clear statement of his importance — and the power he held over his tenants, who were powerless to prevent the pigeons damaging their crops. 

Saving the Dovecote 

The campaign to save the dovecote began in the early 20th century. In spring 1912, Caroline Orlebar enlisted the help of Lyndon Bolton, then president of Bedford Arts Club, who contacted the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings. 

With the assistance of a local bank, Caroline set up a public subscription to buy the impressive Tudor dovecote and a small piece of land in mid-June. Sufficient funds had been received by mid-August, with more than 80 people contributing between 2s 6d and £25 each. 

Sadly, she didn’t live to see the building passed into the care of the National Trust, but she lived long enough to see her campaign generate much interest, with letters and articles in the national press. 

The Willington buildings today 

The church is the largest of Gostwick’s remaining buildings at Willington and is considered historically important because of its links to Sir John and the use of recycled materials.  

Relics of the past

The church features wooden Tudor ceilings with carvings of stylized roses, faces, religious figures and other symbols. Amongst the impressive memorials to John Gostwick is a copy of the jousting helmet he is said to have worn when accompanying Henry VIII on a visit to the French king, Francis I. 

The church is still an active part of the community holding regular services, social and cultural events. The Stables and Dovecote are now in the National Trust's care. The manor house, described as ‘sumptuous’ when newly built, is now privately owned.