Stone dovecotes on stilts in France and their economic purpose

Old Dovecotes in France.

Curious stone structures on tall legs can be found in many regions of France. The dovecotes stood apart from the other buildings, somewhere on the grounds of the estate, and always above ground level, to protect the birds from damp, rats and small predators.

Pigeons were kept not so much for carrying post as for their meat and eggs, and a by-product was prized too: their droppings, with which the fields were manured.

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Stone dovecotes on stilts in France and their economic purpose

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September digest: archaeological finds, exhibitions, museums, theatre and the Church

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