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English
Welsh
This Dovecot was used by the Plymouth family who used to keep pigeons for their meat and eggs.
Did you know that pigeons are highly intelligent?
They can recognise themselves in a mirror and can even recognise some letters of the alphabet!
During the First World War people stopped eating pigeons as they started being used to carry messages instead.
These pigeons are known as carrier pigeons or homing pigeons.
They were used by both sides during the war.
Pigeons were mostly used in the trenches when radios were new and unreliable.
Pigeons were very good at delivering messages with a 95% success rate during World War 1.
Some of them were even awarded medals.
Pigeons continued to be used during the Second World War to fly across the channel.
After the wars, people started keeping pigeons to race them.
Champion racing pigeons are extremely valuable and can fly up to 110 miles per hour!
Some people in South Wales still keep racing pigeons today.
These days pigeons are mostly seen negatively.
There are lots of them in cities and people think that they are dirty.
It’s interesting that doves are seen as a symbol of peace but people think of pigeons as “flying rats”!
What do you think?
Have you spotted any pigeons on your walk today?
Welcome to the Wartimes at St Fagans trail!
St Fagans is a living history museum where you can explore the past and learn about how people lived….
The Chapel
Every town and village in Wales had at least one chapel. These were important community hubs in the past…
Hugh Pettigrew
In 1897, The Earl appointed a man called Hugh Pettigrew as Head Gardener at St Fagans Castle…
The Dovecot
This Dovecot was used by the Plymouth family who used to keep pigeons for their meat and eggs…
The Rosery
Head gardener, Hugh Pettrigrew, planned the rosery in 1898. He filled the garden with more than 100 types of roses…
Castle Gardens
These gardens would have looked and felt very different in the early 1900s when they were transformed for the war effort…
St Fagans Castle
The castle played an important role in the First World War and was used as a training ground for the Red Cross in 1910…
Project funders
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Secret Garden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to work with adults with learning disabilities and other additional needs to explore the rich history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage and nurture its garden.
